23 November 2009, 17:28
Mykola Tomenko: At the Extraordinary Meeting of The Verkhovna Rada, the Deputies shall uphold the Law on Allocation of UAH 1 billion for fighting Flu Epidemic.
At the extraordinary sitting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 26 November, the issue on overriding the President´s veto on the Law on allotment of UAH 1 billion on fighting against influenza epidemic shall be scrutinized.
Mykola Tomenko, Vice-Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the abvove-mentioned statement, commenting upon the initiative of 151 People´s Deputies from the BYuT Faction.
According to M. Tomenko, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine shall take every effort to allocate and direct these funds exactly for the purchase of necessary medicine and medical equipment. He reminded that according to WHO assessments and Ukrainian experts, the Government has adequately responded to the influenza epidemic situation. At the same time, he added that foreign and Ukrainian specialists predict new waves of influenza epidemic in Ukraine.
The Vice-Chairman reminded that a relevant Bill had been adopted by 401 votes at the Parliament. M. Tomenko also emphasized that the document envisaged strict supervision over the use of funds, hence, it prevents misuse of funds. He reminded that due to the propositions suggested by the opposition, purchase of medicine and medical equipment shall be supervised by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee jointly with the Party of Regions representatives. "It is necessary to override the veto immediately. As soon as it is done, Ukraine will receive vaccination and medical equipment", - he declared. Moreover, according to M. Tomenko, the Bill is supposed to be supported both by the parliamentary coalition and opposition.