Foreseeing challenges, Penang prepares early for vaccine delivery

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government is making preparations for the arrival of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, which is expected next month.

State health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin said the vaccine comes with a set of challenges.

“We are looking forward to getting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, but they need to be stored at -70°C. At the same time, we are looking forward to receiving AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccines, as they do not need to be stored at below-freezing temperatures.”

After deliberating with the Penang Medical Practitioners’ Society (PMPS), some 100 private clinics in the state are ready to offer Covid-19 vaccination services for free.

“We have discussed with PMPS, and 100 private clinics are ready to offer free Covid-19 vaccination services, but the public will have to pay for the vaccine cost,” said Dr Norlela.

“These clinics will have to get storage equipment for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines that we hope the Health Ministry will provide.

“Cases are very high (in Penang), but that is because we are doing more testing, especially on foreign workers. When there is more testing, we will find more cases. 

“Even without the movement control order, we would need to follow the standard operating procedures strictly, or just stay at home.”

Because of the state’s spike in infections, some patients have had to be sent to low-risk treatment and quarantine centres in Perak.

Meanwhile, state tourism and creative economy exco Yeoh Soon Hin urged the federal government to be transparent on the distribution of coronavirus vaccines in the country.

On the arrival of the first doses next month, he said it is a timely development, as neighbouring countries have announced their distribution plans, with some even having started their immunisation programmes.

“We need to ensure that we are not left behind in the distribution of vaccines, as this may determine when we can move towards restoring our economy.

“I am sure it is a much-anticipated matter for many people and sectors, especially those badly hit by the pandemic.

“Hence, I urge the government to communicate clearly its vaccine distribution plans for us to adequately support the nation’s recovery plans at the state level.

“There is no doubt that vaccinations are an important factor in building tourists’ confidence, and they play an irreplaceable role in helping revive the national economy.” 

On Saturday, The Vibes reported that the Health Ministry has selected the Mara Excellence Centre near Jawi in Seberang Prai as another Covid-19 low-risk treatment centre, following a two-week search.

Sources said the facility will have more than 1,000 beds, and is expected to be operational next month.

It is learnt that the state Health Department was unable to find a suitable place to serve as the treatment centre on the island, which would be more convenient for health frontliners than the facility near Jawi.

The Mara centre ended up being chosen as the authorities had no choice due to the state’s shortage of beds for Covid-19 patients. – The Vibes, January 18, 2021