KATHMANDU: A Russian diplomatic team is arriving in Nepal with samples of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia.

Expert advisor to Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal Dr. Khem Karki said that a Russian diplomatic team would visit Nepal next week with sample vaccines.

Staff at the Russian Embassy in Nepal had met Heath Minister Dhakal and discussed the upcoming visit by the Russian team.

“The meeting is not a big deal. Russia has developed a vaccine that should be stored at minus 18 degrees Celsius and another at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius,” said Dr. Karki, “Talks were held on bringing some samples to Nepal and storing them.”

According to Dr. Karki, the vaccine developed by Russia is not being used in Nepal immediately.

“Before using any vaccine it has to be registered with the Department of Drug Administration. There are many other processes as well,” he said.

Dr. Karki said that the team was arriving in Nepal as Nepal had written a diplomatic letter urging the countries with diplomatic relations to assist in the COVID vaccine.