Following MMA's criticism, health GLC says it did engage GPs on vaccine programme
The authorities have refuted the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) claim that private general practitioners (GPs) have not been properly consulted over the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd said that it had already held several engagements with the association.
ProtectHealth is a government-linked company (GLC) owned by...
The authorities have refuted the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) claim that private general practitioners (GPs) have not been properly consulted over the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd said that it had already held several engagements with the association.
ProtectHealth is a government-linked company (GLC) owned by the Health Ministry. It helps integrate the private sector into the NIP.
“On April 2, ProtectHealth held a NIP briefing together with MMA that was attended by about 200 members.
“Besides that, on its own, ProtectHealth has held more than 15 briefings and trainings with all registered private medical practitioners since March 29.
“This has involved more than 6,000 private medical practitioners,” it said in a statement tonight.
Earlier today, MMA president Dr M Subramaniam issued a strongly worded comment lambasting NIP coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin for allegedly “showing no interest” in engaging with private GPs.
He said the association had written to the minister on March 2 but had yet to receive a reply. Neither had the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) been in touch, he added.
Subramaniam thus urged Khairy to “get off his high horse” and include more GPs to help speed up the vaccination process.
ProtectHealth’s statement did not address engagements involving Khairy or the JKJAV.
200 GPs involved
Subramaniam had blamed a lack of engagement for the low participation of GPs in the NIP - about 2,500 so far.
ProtechHealth clarified that in fact “more than 2,600” GPs had registered to help administer Covid-19 vaccines.
Of this number, 800 GPs were in the process of getting approved.
“As of date, more than 200 private medical practitioners have become vaccine administration centres and administer vaccinations under the NIP.
“ProtectHealth would like to take this opportunity to invite all registered 9,200 private healthcare facilities to take part in the NIP and increase the daily dose capacity so we can achieve herd immunity immediately,” the GLC added.
According to Khairy, one challenge to getting more GPs onboard was making sure everyone had medical equipment like an appropriate refrigerator for storing the vaccines.
GPs were incorporated into the NIP on March 8.
