KUALA LUMPUR – The RM1.5 billion allocated to the Health Ministry in March for the country’s Covid-19 response is only to fund efforts through 2020, said a think-tank, with at least double the amount needed for vaccines alone once they are available.
Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib told The Vibes that the funds allocated thus far are used to scale up health services and infrastructure, and pay for manpower and resources, including test kits, reagents and medical equipment.
“Already, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has indicated that they will need RM3 billion for vaccines next year. So, no, the amount is not enough.”
He was commenting on the Health Ministry’s move last week to reactivate a special Covid-19 account for public donations despite having received a hefty allocation under Budget 2020.
Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has defended the decision, saying the RM30.6 billion allocation is solely for operations and development purposes, and not the coronavirus crisis or emergency procurement.
He said he prefers donations in the form of equipment rather than cash.
Azrul said it is a pre-emptive move by the ministry to supplement its funding.
“Whatever amount collected is definitely welcomed, but it will be relatively small compared to public funding, which is in the hundreds of millions.
“Therefore, the crowdfunding is really intended as a form of public support and a show of solidarity with the people working in the healthcare sector responding to Covid-19.” – The Vibes, October 20, 2020
