GEORGE TOWN – The state government’s suggestion to allow private hospitals to purchase and offer paid Covid-19 vaccination to those who can afford it is to ensure free ones could be used for more frontliners.
Agrotechnology, Food Safety, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said if adopted, the proposal will see to it that those receiving paid shots need not be placed as free shot recipients under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“It isn’t to prioritise the vaccination for VIPs or VVIPs.
“Those who can afford it can pay for the vaccines, while free ones can be given to more frontliners, especially those not included in Phase 1, such as agricultural officers, and cleaners working for local authorities and district offices.”
She said the suggestion will also enable non-governmental organisations to purchase the vaccine and donate it to the needy, especially the elderly and members of high-risk groups who are not included as Phase 1 recipients.
Dr Norlela said she has also suggested to Khairy Jamaluddin, who is coordinating minister for the vaccination drive, to incorporate i-Sejahtera data with MySejahtera for Phase 2 of the programme, which will begin on April 1, to speed up the registration of existing i-Sejahtera members.
She encourages all Penangites to register using MySejahtera to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. – Bernama, March 6, 2021
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