Joint Criticism by Eight Iranian Newspapers on COVID-19 Vaccination Process
Eight Iranian newspapers published a joint editorial, warning about the consequences of the coronavirus crisis in Iran. The editorial states that no clear prospects are visible for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.
Eight Iranian newspapers on May 17 published a joint editorial criticizing the progress in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination process in Iran.
The newspapers Ettelaat, Jomhouri-ye Eslami, Shargh, Etemaad, Donya-ye Eqtesad, Sazandegi, Haft Sobh, and Hamshahri declared the situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic in Iran as critical in their joint article.
The article also refers to “contradictory news and information” as well as “inconsistency” in government decision-making.
The editorial states: “On behalf of people whose voices have been lost in the noise of events, we warn about the most important and vital issue of life these days: vaccine provision and distribution must be the first mission of all state institutions.”
The mentioned newspapers criticized “contradictory information about vaccine imports” and considered it a manifestation of inconsistency in the decision-making system.
The editorial also expressed concern about the possibility of lacking “unified will” to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, it is stated that holding the presidential election could also have a negative impact on the vaccination process and fighting coronavirus.
In this regard, it states: “Since the first months of the next government will be spent on establishment affairs, the concern that coronavirus control may suffer from this political transition is serious, and through this path, irreparable dangers threaten the health of Iranian citizens.”
The mentioned newspapers called on Hassan Rouhani to immediately form a national committee. It is stated that this committee should consist of representatives from the government, private sector, and civil institutions and oversee immediate vaccine provision and transparency in its distribution and administration.
Source: DW
