Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has approved Al-Dawaa Pharmacy as the first community pharmacy to make available coronavirus vaccination service through its branches across the Kingdom.

A partnership agreement was signed between Al-Dawaa Pharmacies and the Ministry of Health on Wednesday to provide coronavirus vaccines through all its branches. The date when citizens and expatriates can take the vaccine jabs from the pharmacy will be announced soon, according to a statement from the pharmacy.

The statement noted that this partnership comes within the strategic plan approved by the Kingdom to gain full control of the pandemic. Under the plan, Saudi Arabia is keen to provide and facilitate all means to offer the best services and ensure the safety people.

The basis of cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Al-Dawaa pharmacies is to enhance the health of citizens and expatriates as well as to highlight the importance of the role of the private sector in general, and the role of Al-Dawaa pharmacies in particular to contribute to providing all that is in the best interests and health of the public, the statement added.

Meanwhile, some news reports quoted Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah as saying that coronavirus vaccines will be provided at all pharmacies across the Kingdom free of charge.

This is part of the ministry’s efforts to expand the ongoing national vaccination campaign to all regions of the Kingdom. The minister also announced that the coronavirus vaccine would be a pre-requisite for applicants wishing to perform the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. A vaccination committee must be formed for the Hajj and Umrah season, the minister added.