Vaccine contracts need to change; the conditions under which they were defined – especially the complete lack of flexibility in these contracts – are unacceptable, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told journalists in Brussels. He added that “the EC is acting rather reserved” on this matter.
We were the first country to demonstrate so clearly that these contracts (for Covid-19 vaccines – PAP) need to be changed that the terms under which they were set – especially the complete lack of flexibility in these contracts – are unacceptable. For a year Poland has been conducting direct negotiations with Pfizer, but also with the European Commission, to change these contract terms
– he said.
Unacceptable contracts
According to the contract, we are forced to constantly buy a certain number of doses, which does not correspond at all to the number of cases
– he noted, adding that therefore the formula of the contract should be changed.
He indicated that further proposals in this regard do not meet expectations.
They make a certain reduction in purchases, but do not associate the purchase at all with the current epidemic situation. In no other contract do we have such a situation that we have to buy as much as the producer wants, and in this contract, unfortunately, the situation is exactly the same
– he said.
Pressure to change circumstances
When asked whether the European Commission showed understanding for Poland’s position, he replied:
In a sense, the Commission is rather reserved. Unfortunately I have to say that. We’ve been building up some kind of pressure for a year. This is pressure in the sense of an international coalition with several countries; that is, the pressure associated with the provision of certain information to the press revealing the terms of this (contract). I think that it was only under the influence of these elements that the Commission started negotiations and started these negotiations relatively recently. I’m talking about serious negotiations that change the terms, not delaying deliveries.
Niedzielski also drew attention to what he believed to be a serious problem, namely the EC’s reticence towards transparency.
The public has a right to know – perhaps not necessarily what the price is – but what other terms and conditions are in the contract. I find no justification for the position of the Commission, which does not support this full or near full transparency of contract terms
– declared the head of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Poland.
READ ALSO:
– The subject of vaccinations is back. Minister Niedzielski: I think it is necessary to think whether everything has been done correctly
Good news from the Minister of Health! Niedzielski: “We have mastered the departure of specialists abroad”
pap / i have
Source: wPolityce