KUALA LUMPUR – Netizens are not warming up to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba’s recent announcement aimed at prioritising Covid-19 immunisation for those who have donated blood more than 50 times.
Based on a post by the Health Ministry on Facebook, the authorities are understood to be considering this proposal, for the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
Dr Adham stated that the recommendation will be submitted to the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee.
Referring to it as a good proposal, Dr Adham reasoned that it would act as an incentive to garner more blood donors.
However, netizens commenting on the ministry’s post seem to have different ideas from Dr Adham.
Facebook user Nabil Fitri Sahini commented: “Just speed up the vaccination regardless of who it is. The health minister is very slow at doing his work.”
Another commenter prudently pointed out that university students and MPs need to be inoculated against the virus soonest.
He said the students have been relying on continuing their studies via online classes and may be discouraged or frustrated.
He also urged the vaccination of parliamentarians so Dewan Rakyat can convene.
“Vaccinate the university students quickly. It is a pity they are studying online and may get fed up soon.
“Also consider immunising parliamentarians, which would allow Parliament to sit and national policy decisions to be made. There are only 222 to vaccinate,” Haries Tashriq said.
Also, Facebook user Dato Grunsin took the opportunity to remind Dr Adham of the main objective of immunisation, saying: “Isn’t the overriding objective is to (sic) vaccinate those who are in the high risk and more exposed groups. Salute to the blood donors!”
Athirah Shahrin said she wants to donate blood, but has not been able to due to her weight.
“I think this is totally absurd. I always wanted to donate blood but my weight has never reached 45kg, so I was rejected.
“So, because I can’t donate, I get vaccinated late? Nonsensical,” Athirah said.
In announcing the proposal, Dr Adham had said that 652,671 bags of blood were collected nationwide last year, a drop of 12.3% from 2019. He attributed the decline to the coronavirus pandemic. – The Vibes, April 11, 2021
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