GEORGE TOWN – The plan to inoculate the elderly and vulnerable in Phase 2 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme has hit a hurdle, after approximately 1,200 unlicensed nursing homes were found to have not registered staff and dependents for vaccination.
Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (Agecope) president Delren Douglas told The Vibes that the problem can be solved if there is less red tape in providing licences to old folks’ homes.
There are currently 12 government-run centres, known as “Rumah Seri Kenangan”, and 365 licensed private centres, as well as 1,300 unlicensed facilities.
Douglas said only some 100 unlicensed homes have had their staff and residents registered for vaccination.
The government-run and licensed private centres have registered for vaccination.
“The ones that have not registered do not dare come forward for fear they will be penalised for being unlicensed,” said Douglas.
“However, the priority now is to save lives.”
He suggested that an amnesty of one or two years be given.
“This is so that they can come out to get their vaccinations. Promise them that action won’t be taken against them during this time frame, and allow them time to settle licensing.
It is a win-win situation for everyone. All of them would get vaccinated, all of them would get a licence, and the government would know where all the nursing centres are.”
On unlicensed senior citizen care centres in Penang, he said the issue they face is unique as it involves zoning and non-zoning areas. This allows centres on the mainland to be granted a licence more easily than those on the island.
Last weekend, three unlicensed nursing homes in George Town were ordered shut after 36 people there tested positive for Covid-19.
“The government also has to realise that these nursing homes have been operating long before the current administration, and you can’t suddenly ask people to move according to the zones,” said Douglas, adding that the whole country has different criteria for such facilities, making it difficult to acquire a licence.
Ministers step in
In a viral video message by Agecope secretary Muntoh Fong, it is claimed that seniors appear to be sidelined in the vaccination effort, while appointments are given to non-frontliners.
The matter has caught the attention of both Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
They have met with Douglas to rectify the issue of the number of vaccine doses reserved for old folks’ home residents and staff. The dates of the inoculation will be revealed later.
Wanita DAP international secretary Kasthuri Patto released a statement yesterday, demanding that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry take the coronavirus-triggered closure of Penang old folks’ homes seriously and announce a contingency plan for vaccinating senior citizens at such centres.
“As the minister and deputy minister helming one of the biggest ministries in the country, (Datuk Seri) Rina Harun and (Datuk) Siti Zailah (Mohd Yusoff) must take the closure of old folks’ homes in Penang due to Covid-19 seriously, and they must provide Malaysians who have parents or loved ones in old folks’ homes, as well as the operators, with the next plan to vaccinate them, being the most vulnerable in our society.” – The Vibes, May 18, 2021
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