KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that an easy supply of coronavirus vaccine is the priority of the government.

Inaugurating thefifth general convention of the Nepalese Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) in Kathmandu on Saturday, Minister Poudel said that the government’s priority now is to provide quality and relatively cheap coronavirus vaccine.

Stating that Nepal will ensure the availability of vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the world market, Minister Poudel said that discussions are underway with other countries.

Finance Minister Poudel said the government would test and treat infected people with coronavirus symptoms.

He said that the first priority of the government is to save the lives and livelihood of the people.

Minister Poudel said that the government has worked effectively for the control and prevention of the pandemic.

In a different context, he said the government had brought a relief package to reduce the impact of coronavirus on the economy.

Minister Poudel expressed commitment to solving the problem through discussion if the government’s announcement for the private, cooperative, and manufacturing sectors is not enough.