Prime Minister Jeong: "Domestic First Treatment Under Final Review... MFDS Must Make Swift Decision"

"Vaccine Safety Controversy... Reflect Death Cases When Establishing Vaccination Plans"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 18th, "The approval review by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the first domestically produced novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment has entered its final stage."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "An expert meeting to verify safety and efficacy was held yesterday, and this afternoon, the results will be reported in detail to the public."

He added, "If the remaining review procedures proceed smoothly, it is expected to be deployed to COVID-19 quarantine sites as a reliable support force starting early next month," and urged, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety should conduct a strict review based on scientific standards but reach a conclusion promptly."

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "It has been 40 days since the first COVID-19 vaccination began in the UK, and only minor side effects had been reported until recently when 29 elderly people with severe illnesses in Norway died after receiving the vaccine, raising safety concerns," adding, "This is a significant case for us as we plan to start vaccinations next month."

He then requested, "The quarantine authorities should gather as much detailed medical information as possible about these death cases and reflect them in the vaccination plan."

Furthermore, he instructed, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should thoroughly collect the realities of countries where vaccinations are underway and regularly share them with related ministries."

Prime Minister Chung also expressed worry, saying, "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some pharmaceutical companies have reduced vaccine supplies to several urgent European countries, causing disruptions in vaccinations," and added, "Even the President of the European Union (EU) Commission has intervened, but the situation has not significantly improved."

He continued, "The global COVID-19 vaccine market is a reality where suppliers have a clear advantage. We cannot feel secure until the 56 million doses of vaccines we contracted arrive domestically," and stated, "The government will continuously monitor the fulfillment of vaccine contracts and strive to introduce them as early as possible within the promised quarters."

In particular, he emphasized, "We will make every effort to utilize the strengths of our bio and pharmaceutical industries, which have world-class drug production capabilities and facilities, to secure a more stable supply of vaccines."