KOTA KINABALU – Mismatched appointment times for Covid-19 vaccination have left some people here confused as the information on their MySejahtera apps does not coincide with slots given by the state Health Department.
Several people, including media practitioners, were at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital yesterday, following the schedule stated in their MySejahtera apps and SMS reminders from the Health Ministry received a day before.
When they arrived, they found that the vaccination centre was closed, much to their surprise.
One of the affected, Ivan Amirul, said he travelled from Beaufort, leaving his mother alone in a now flooded house just to get vaccinated, only to find out that the centre was closed.
“We (Ivan and his two friends) were stopped by a security guard, telling us that the centre is closed today. We then showed him our appointment on MySejahtera, and a doctor came out, checked our names and told us that our schedule was postponed.
“He said our schedule had been changed since early May in the Sabah Health Department (JKNS) system, but he thought the department notified us. We were not notified or informed in any way by the department.
“What is going on with the system? Why is the MySejahtera appointment different from the one from JKNS? This is absurd,” said Ivan.
Ivan also learnt that the centre will be closed for two weeks, and questioned if an announcement was made regarding the closure.
“There will be more victims like me. I wasted my time, and I travelled so far. This is truly disappointing.”
A photojournalist who wanted to be known as Adam had the same problem, questioning the purpose of the call and SMS reminder from the Health Ministry, when the vaccination centre was closed.
“Yesterday, I received an SMS and a call from the Health Ministry, reminding me of my vaccination appointment today. I was then told (at the centre) that there was a technical glitch that caused errors between MySejahtera and the JKNS system.
“I wasted my time today, and I am really upset. I hope the Health Ministry or JKNS will solve this problem immediately to avoid confusing the people and wasting our time.”
The Vibes has reached out to Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi for clarification. – The Vibes, May 22, 2021