Premier
With regard to the Premier’s announcement that the Western Cape Government (WGC) plans to procure COVID-19 vaccines:
(1) (a) Which pharmaceutical companies or vaccine manufacturers is the WCG negotiating with or engaged in talks with about the direct procurement of a COVID-19 vaccine, (b) when did these negotiations commence, (c) which manufacturers or suppliers of COVID-19 vaccines have indicated that they are willing and able to supply the vaccine to the WCG, (d) what is the capacity in terms of the total number of vaccines available to the WCG from each vaccine manufacturer, (e) what is the pricing per vaccine dose of each product to the WCG, (f) how many vaccine doses does the WCG intend to procure itself, (g) what funding will the WCG allocate to the procurement vaccines directly, (h) what is the source of the funding, (i) what is the WCG’s total anticipated budget allocation for COVID-19 vaccines and (j) what impact will the direct procurement of COVID-19 vaccines by the WCG have on the supply of vaccines to the South African national government;
(2) whether the WCG also intend to participate in the national vaccination
programme; if so, will the Province then have an excess supply of vaccines
when it receives an allocation from the national supply after it has procured its
own supply;
(3) (a) what is the WCG’s vaccination plan for the population of the province with
the vaccine it procures directly and (b) how does this plan differ from or align
with the national vaccination plan?
- (a) – (j) Our provincial contingency vaccine acquisition framework has been developed and adopted by cabinet, to supplement the national acquisition plan. The provincial contingency vaccine acquisition framework underscores the importance of maintaining excellent communications with the national government on any procurement initiatives undertaken by the province. In this respect, I have already written to the President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, to inform him of where we currently stand, and will continue to provide him with regular updates as this initiative unfolds.
A team, led by the Department of Health and supported by Provincial Treasury officials has begun the necessary rigorous planning work required prior to the commencement of any procurement initiative – this is an initiative we take seriously, and are embarking on with due caution and responsibility for the regulatory and clinical matters involved therein. This includes completing up front a thorough demand forecasting and planning, market analysis and the appropriate procurement modality. We need to properly understand demand in our market and at the same time, determine what product is available to us, in a rapidly changing market. Alongside this, there is a regulatory analysis underway. There are complex medical and financial regulatory issues which first need to be assessed.
The Western Cape Government may fund its vaccine acquisition by reprioritising the existing budget, mobilising alternative sources of funding and if necessary, drawing on provincial reserves. Further details will be made available when Finance and Economic Opportunities Minister, David Maynier tables the provincial budget on 10 March 2021.
- The Western Cape fully supports the national vaccine acquisition efforts. We will continue to work with the national Department of Health, and we will, of course, coordinate our efforts with theirs. But we will at the same time ensure we can mitigate the risk and ensure additional pathways to source vaccines. Early indications show that the national allocation will not be enough for our first phase of the rollout however any additional vaccines sourced for the Western Cape would be in support of the national cause overall.
(3) The Western Cape Government has one vaccination roll out plan for the province. Our Department of Health is currently finalizing the logistical details of the vaccination plan. This plan is not based on the source of vaccines but rather on our phased approach to ensure we vaccinate as many residents as possible.
In phase 1, we have targeted approximately 133 000 people working in the healthcare sector. This group includes public and private health care workers, community health care workers, care workers, health sciences students and traditional healers.
In phase 2, we estimate vaccinating 2 million essential workers, people in congregate settings, and vulnerable groups including people older than 60, and anyone older than 18 with high-risk co-morbidities.
In phase 3, a further 2.9 million people, over the age of 18 will be vaccinated.
Estimates for phase 2 and 3 are being refined.
