Draft regulations, aimed at protecting pharmaceutical companies from all liability in the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, are up for public comment.

South Africa published draft regulations to establish a new fund that will protect pharmaceutical companies from all liability arising from the use of Covid-19 vaccines on Thursday, City Press reported.

The national Department of Health has published the draft regulations for the establishment of the No Fault Compensation Fund, confirmed Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

He urged members of the public to submit comments on the draft regulations by April 19.

The regulations on the No Fault Compensation Fund propose the establishment of a panel led by a retired judge and other experts to adjudicate vaccine-related claims.

Claims may not be filed in court until they have been processed by the panel, but its rulings may be appealed, according to the proposed regulations.

Comments on the draft regulations can be submitted to NFCcomments@health.gov.za.