GEORGE TOWN – A viral message on social media stating that Equatorial Hotel will be opening its doors to those aiming to choose their booster shots of either AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Sinovac vaccines via walk-in have become a point of contention between individual doctors and healthcare provider ProtectHealth.
Individual doctors in charge of the off-site vaccination centre (PPV) at the iconic hotel confirmed with The Vibes that although the PPV will start operating tomorrow, they will still prioritise MySejahtera appointments first.
It is learnt that ProtectHealth is reluctant to promote walk-ins for the fear that the public may not be able to comply with the present standard operating procedures.
As a result, the doctors who spoke on the condition of anonymity clarified the false nature of the viral message that stated those who are keen to receive their choice of vaccines at Equatorial Hotel starting tomorrow can do so.
However, they added that walk-ins for booster doses at the particular PPV will only be decided at a later date.
“All doctors will strictly follow the list given by ProtectHealth. Walk-ins will only be slotted daily if there are any appointment cancellations.”
Meanwhile, another PPV located within the district at Sunshine Square has started promoting walk-ins from 9am to 4pm between Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on weekends.
Following negotiations between the Penang Health Department and health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin over the availability of walk-ins, the latter sought to clear the air, stating that Hotel Equatorial’s PPV will be open tomorrow and 400 appointments under My Sejahtera have been confirmed.
The PPV is able to vaccinate up to 1,500 people a day.
The initial list provided by Protect Health did not include Hotel Equatorial as one of the off-site PPVs.
The listed locations in Penang include Dewan Mentari Sunshine Bertam in Seberang Prai Utara, Tapak Ekspo in Seberang Jaya, Flextronics in Seberang Prai, Dewan Serbaguna Taman Guar Perahu (Dewan Pintar) in Seberang Prai Tengah, Dewan MPKK Bandar Cassia and Vervea Trade & Exhibition Centre in Seberang Perai Selatan, Tapak Pesta Sg Nibong and Penang Youth Centre, Lebuh Acheh, in the northeast district, and Sunshine Banquet Hall in the southwest district.
After several enquiries by Dr Norlela, the Hotel Equatorial PPV was added to the list under the southwest district.
Meanwhile, Dr Norlela affirmed that there has been no increase of Omicron cases in Penang under the umrah cluster.
“There are only two cases for now.”
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin reportedly said the ministry has yet to pinpoint the extent the infections have affected the community thus far. – The Vibes, January 3, 2022
