Price of vaccines: During a discussion held today (Tuesday) in the Finance Committee of the Knesset, representatives of the Ministries of Finance and Health revealed that NIS 2.6 billion has been spent on the various vaccine transactions so far, and that an additional NIS 2.5 billion is expected for future vaccines.
During the discussion held in the Finance Committee, chaired by the committee’s chairman, MK Moshe Gafni of Torah Judaism, a change of about NIS 2 billion was approved in the amounts allocated to deal with the crisis created by the spread of the corona virus. As part of the change, budget transfers totaling NIS 1.973 billion were made to the Ministry of Health.
The Finance Committee approved the transfer of the budget for the needs of the Ministry of Health, with the budget, which is part of the amounts allocated to deal with the Corona crisis, transferred from the “Grant and Assistance to Businesses and Self-Employed” sections (1.285 billion NIS) and the “Other Objectives” section (688 million NIS).
The application, signed by the Minister of Finance, states that it is intended to support the health system in its activities against the virus, to curb coronary heart disease and to maintain the health of citizens.
It is detailed that NIS 1.349 billion of the transfer is intended to fund the continued operation of the testing system, investigations and isolations that “require extensive budgets”, given the performance of tens of thousands of tests per day, and the budget will be used to test devices, test robots, expand laboratory personnel, purchase pens and reagents. The tests. At the same time, nursing institutions, education in drive-in complexes and in homes will also be budgeted.
About NIS 264 million was earmarked for the health funds. In light of the virus’ continuation in 2021, and so that the main burden is on the health funds and the community’s medical system, the budget is intended to fund medical treatments for patients, operate call centers, tests, strengthen services provided remotely to the elderly and other populations, and continue mental support and psychotherapy. .
It is further stated that NIS 185 million is intended for the realization of contracts with the manufacturers of corona vaccines, approximately NIS 93 million is intended for the operation of the amputation chain by the Home Front Command, and for epidemiological investigations, and NIS 82 million is intended for the logistics system around vaccinations; Reinforcement of warehouse manpower and execution of trainings.
Roi Reicher, a representative of the Ministry of Finance who was present at the hearing, said: “So far, NIS 2.6 billion has been spent on vaccine transactions, all vaccines from all companies.”
MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of the committee who was present at the discussion, commented on the vaccination campaign and said: “I would like to commend the Prime Minister for the vaccination campaign, the State of Israel is standing before all the countries in the world, thank God. We are happy that the vaccines are working and we can start to get back to normal. “