Peru swears in new health minister after COVID vaccine scandal

Former President Martin Vizcarra receiving COVID-19 jab before it is widely available prompts minister’s resignation.

Peru has sworn in a new health minister, the country’s president confirmed on Saturday, after a scandal broke this week over former President Martin Vizcarra receiving a coronavirus vaccine before it was widely available in the South American nation. President Francisco Sagasti said on Saturday that Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti, who led the health office during Vizcarra’s administration, handed in her resignation on Friday night. Her replacement, Oscar Ugarte, was sworn in on Saturday, Sagasti told local radio.