While news of the fifth confirmed H1N1 (swine flu) death swept the country yesterday, there has been a call for companies and medical institutions not to capitalise on the fear of citizens.
This comes from president of the San Fernando Business Association, Daphne Bartlett.
Bartlett told the Sunday Guardian that the price of the H1N1 virus vaccine was $400 before the current breakout.
But Sureway Weightloss clinic put out advertisements in the local newspapers in the past week, offering the vaccine to members of the public at $700 per shot.
“Usually in pharmaceuticals we are governed by the Food and Drug Administration, which allows us to make anywhere between 25 to 30 per cent mark-up on injectibles,” Bartlett said.
“It’s not like we could get up one day and say we are going to increase the price by 50 per cent or a hundred per cent.”
“You should not capitalise on a desperate situation, because if they are bringing in the vaccines, that must mean they want to save lives as well.”
The Sunday Guardian called Sureway yesterday and enquired about the pricey vaccine.
A member of staff said the vaccines were administered by a medical doctor, but patients were asked to sign a consent form first.
“All of our nurses are registered nurses, but the doctor herself gives the vaccine. She would not risk having anyone else do it,” the staff member said.
Because of a high demand for the vaccine, the clinic is expected to open for several hours today (Sunday) to accommodate patients.
Checks at medical centres across the country revealed that although there is a shortage of the vaccine, waiting lists are being compiled for when the vaccine is available.
At the Gulf View Medical Centre, a member of staff said the cost of the vaccine was approximately $400 and there was a three-week waiting period before it could be available.
At the Southern Medical Centre it was a similar response, but a price range was not available.
At Cross Crossing Medical Centre, the price is between $250 to $300 and vaccines are expected to be available as early as Wednesday.
A staffer at the St Clair Medical Centre said the institution did not stock the vaccine, but arrangements could be made to get vaccines for patients.
At both Rampersad’s Medical Centre and Freeport Medical Centre, receptionists told this reporter that names were being taken for a list as the vaccines are expected to arrive within the next two weeks. Both medical centres price the vaccine at $400.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh had said on Friday that those in high-risk groups, which include infants, the elderly and pregnant women, would be given the vaccine at the nation’s health facilities as a priority.