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Private doctors should be allowed to source COVID-19 vaccines - Skelton-Cline

- calls on Gov't to make option available to VI
‘Honestly Speaking’ radio host, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on local government to put systems in place so that private doctors can source COVID-19 vaccines on an auxiliary basis, alongside the government. Photo: VINO/File/Internet Source
The United Kingdom (UK) Government will donate and deliver 8,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Virgin Islands next month, the Governor's Office announced via a press release on January 12, 2021. Photo: Business Insider
The United Kingdom (UK) Government will donate and deliver 8,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Virgin Islands next month, the Governor's Office announced via a press release on January 12, 2021. Photo: Business Insider
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – ‘Honestly Speaking’ radio host, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on local government to put systems in place so that private doctors can source COVID-19 vaccines on an auxiliary basis, alongside the government.

“What I would also like to see is that this will not just be a government programme, but the private sector, our doctors are allowed to source and to bring vaccines on the ground,” he said on Tuesday’s January 14, 2021, Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780AM.

The commentator said that regardless of the maker of the vaccines, it would be beneficial if local private doctors are allowed to import vaccines alongside government-sponsored jabs as an alternative.

“I see no reason why doctors, persons in the medical private field, cannot source [COVID-19 vaccines] and if people want to use the insurance or pay privately for that vaccine, I think they ought to be able to do so and it not just be a government-mandated apparatus.”

8000K AstraZeneca coming to VI - Governor 

The comment comes following news that the United Kingdom (UK) Government will donate and deliver 8,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca to the Virgin Islands next month.

“If these private doctors and industry has the capacity and the reach, the tentacles in which to procure additional vaccines, I see no reason why they should not be allowed to do so and so that this country can be inoculated,” he said.

Skelton-Cline said the ultimate goal is that the VI would be able to function with some greater level of normality as it relates to COVID-19, given more citizens would get vaccinated.

23 Responses to “Private doctors should be allowed to source COVID-19 vaccines - Skelton-Cline”

  • Genesis (15/01/2021, 08:48) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Can’t trust the private doctors.
    • Holy holy me (15/01/2021, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
      I have never agreed with the Overspend on anything before, but he is right about this.
      • Rubber Duck (15/01/2021, 18:15) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        Cline must have a finger in the pie. He does nothing for nothing.
    • lmao (15/01/2021, 13:49) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Can’t wait to laugh at everyone who gets Bell’s palsy from the vaccine ! One less sheep wondering the streets haha
      • Stupido (15/01/2021, 22:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        How many people got Bells palsy form the vaccine compare to the millions who got it. For your information different people will have reaction to any medication. Even paracetamol, there are people who are allergic to paracetamol. Are you going to say paracetamol is not good? Are you aware that there are people who cannot let sea water touch their bodies or they will end up in the hospital? Stop the fear mongering.
        • Lmao @Stupido (16/01/2021, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I don’t take any type of pharmaceuticals, so I won’t know if paracetamol is good or bad for you and let’s hope your body don’t react badly to it because I’mma laugh at you and everyone else who takes it. So my point remains the same... imma laugh
      • @lmao (16/01/2021, 01:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Jan. 12, 2021
        Health authorities are investigating the case of a Florida doctor who died from an unusually severe blood disorder 16 days after receiving the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

        ABC News
        LOG IN
        ABC News Corona Virus Health and Science
        A nurse who got vaccinated tested positive for COVID, but that's not unexpected.

        The story of an emergency room nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 after getting the first dose of the vaccine is a reminder that hand washing, social distancing and masks are still going to be crucial in 2021.
        What is the point clearly about agenda.

        U want to inject healthy persons with something that we wait to see the real side effects later on after the world is vaccinated ?

        Why not vaccinate the vulnerable only?
        Keep that and push it up the A$$ that’s not going near me nor my family.
  • one eye (15/01/2021, 08:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Very good points
  • Agree 100%.. (15/01/2021, 08:59) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    This make the world of Sense for more than one reasons,,,1/ Trust, lots of people/ patient have more trust in their personal doctor than government and their doctors,,,,2/ Private Doctors have a better record of confidentiality than Government / Hospital, Not everyone wants people in their Business and for those reasons more people will get vaccinated,,,,,,,
  • Puzzled (15/01/2021, 10:00) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    This ma for some unknown reason, makes my skin crawl.
  • Idiot (15/01/2021, 10:03) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    This guy lives on a different planet, no private doctors can purchase the vaccine, countries, nations worldwide have pre orders of billions of doses that need to be filled first before the private sector gets involved.

    Next year maybe
  • ASKING (15/01/2021, 10:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    how much money will it cost for vaccine
  • No (15/01/2021, 10:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    No because some doctors might source counterfeit vaccine without knowing . Not a good idea. Let it come from gov to gov. Not ? From whoever to private doctors.
  • ASKING (15/01/2021, 10:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the UK is donating the vaccine what will happen if you start to monopolies it when only few months ago the government say NHI was almost bankrupt and they have to to put money into it
  • Common Sense (15/01/2021, 12:30) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    With all due respect, current access to Covid Vaccines in most Western countries is strictly government controlled, there is no private access.
    Now, the doctors could, and should be used to administer the 8,000 vaccines on behalf of the BVI government.
  • Chris (15/01/2021, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes I would like to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine please
  • Citizen (15/01/2021, 12:59) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    That is a good decision sir if happens, there will be less strain on the BVIHSA and there will be more options for the people of BVI. Let Private sector also help fight this pandemic
  • Uh, No (15/01/2021, 16:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't think the private doctors should offer it just yet.
    Most may just jack up the price and continue to kill NHI more than they do already.
  • Crooks (15/01/2021, 18:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So called private doctors are obtains vaccines illegally. All vaccine production is allocated to governments and accredited health agencies.
  • GG (15/01/2021, 19:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The truth is NHI is in a crisis because these private practices help to put it there by doubling up on prices. The cap per patient on most things are small and with these exorbitant prices it even makes it harder for patients to get proper care. If dental cap is 1500.00 for year and you end up using all in a 3 months span. The patient have to pay the remainder for the next 9 months if they end up with another problem. Same example for medical issues. Don't talk about lab work that's even worse. In my humble opinion the private practices can do better.
  • Not Aware (15/01/2021, 22:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    SK is not aware of what is happening right now. The production of vaccine is very limited now compare to the demand. You are not going to see the vaccines available on the open market until another 4 to 5 years. Any vaccines available on the open market right now is a counterfeit or was stolen. Vaccines at this stage is being sold to governments and most times is brokered through PAHO or the WHO on a limited basis until production can catch up with the immediate world demand. He don't realize the immediate demand for the vaccine is about 13 billion doses. If the BVI government is ever going to purchase vaccines it is going to be through PAHO because you are not going to be able to just make a phone call and say send me 20,000 vaccine next week.
  • First take (16/01/2021, 07:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vaccine this man quick so we can experience a change in him
  • Madea (18/01/2021, 20:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Private doctors should not make money out of the Covid vaccine. They would sell it to those who could afford for pay lots of money. No profit should be made out of the vaccine. not one cent.


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