Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti on Monday night confirmed that a total of 487 people —including public servants— took advantage of their position and got vaccinated against COVID-19 outside the clinical trials.
In his speech, the Head of State confirmed that former Ministers Pilar Mazzetti (Health) and Elizabeth Astete (Foreign Affairs) were included in such list.
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We reiterate our indignation and disappointment after being informed that 487 people, including many public officials, took advantage of their position to be immunized with the Sinopharm vaccines, which came as a complement to those used in clinical trials in our country," he said.
The statesman affirmed that beyond the condition of former President Martin Vizcarra and the public officials who got vaccinated during his administration, who must be brought to justice, he laments that such list —provided by Cayetano Heredia University— includes people who were part of his Government, such as Pilar Mazzetti and Elizabeth Astete.
"We are outraged, and this causes us a deep feeling of pain, because these people who made up our Transition and Emergency Government failed to fulfill their duty as public servants and to show loyalty to the President of the Council of Ministers and me," he stated.
The Peruvian leader explained that the list will be sent to the Comptroller General's Office, the Public Ministry, the State Attorney's General Office, and the investigation commission formed by Health Minister Oscar Ugarte, so that the corresponding actions can be initiated.
"The Executive Branch will separate all those involved in unfortunate events. People who are not capable of fully fulfilling their duty as public servants have no place in this Government," he said.
Mr. Sagasti emphasized that these events will not prevent the negotiation and procurement process for the COVID-19 vaccines from running.
Remarks were made in a televised Address to the Nation from the Government Palace in Lima, where he was joined by Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez.
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Published: 2/15/2021