KUALA LUMPUR – University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has rubbished claims that it is forced to seek donation through online platform Lazada as there is no forthcoming government funding to assist in its battle against Covid-19.
Speaking to The Vibes, UMMC head of corporate relations Yahaya A. Hamid pointed out that the institution has been receiving assistance from the public since the start of the pandemic last year.
He said joining Lazada’s donation drive will only facilitate this process as various quarters, including companies, continue to offer donations, some as part of their corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
“There is funding from the government. It’s not true that we are not receiving assistance. But if the public wants to donate, then of course we will accept it,” he said when contacted today.
“It has nothing to do with being in (difficult) financial straits. Even a year ago when cases started to increase, many people have been donating to us via various platforms, be it equipment or food.
“Some people are saying this Lazada campaign is shocking. Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman even claimed this whole situation is terrible.”
He denied the assertion, saying UMMC is still receiving its funds.
Syed Saddiq was among dozens of concerned Malaysians to take to social media yesterday to comment on the Covid-19 fundraising campaign by UMMC on the e-commerce site, for the purchase of medical equipment.
The medical institution accepts donations ranging from RM50 to RM500, with Lazada donating RM1 for every RM4 from each donor to the selected entities under its LazadaForGood programme.
Lawyer Syahredzan Johan said he is angered that hospitals are forced to crowdfund essential equipment, and questioned the government’s effort in addressing the situation.
In a statement yesterday, UMMC confirmed the veracity of its donation drive, amid public confusion over the matter, adding that Lazada had picked the institution as one of several organisations to receive donations over its platform.
According to Yahaya, UMMC has collected over RM20,000 in public donations to date, since its drive started last week, adding that the campaign will continue as long as Lazada sees fit.
Other than through Lazada, UMMC, which is funded by the Higher Education Ministry, also accepts donations via its website.
Since the pandemic began last year, there have been multiple reports that there is a shortage of equipment, especially protective gears, in UMMC and other public hospitals.
This situation has escalated as the number of new infections continues to soar in recent months, reaching record high numbers in the past week and putting a strain on the public healthcare system. – The Vibes, February 1, 2021
