KUALA LUMPUR: Private hospitals will be now allowed to administer Covid-19 vaccines under the second and third phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the government has agreed to involve private hospitals in the NIP which will see them serve as vaccination centres.
The vaccines, he said would be given for free to private hospitals to maximise access to vaccine distribution, covering a wider population.
"The government has agreed on this after taking into account the recommendations submitted by private hospitals that do not want to be left out in mobilising the workforce to ensure Malaysia achieves its target of inoculating at least 80 per cent of the population," he said in a statement today.
Dr Adham said private hospitals that are interested in taking part in the programme could register via the ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd website at www.protecthealth.com.my starting today (Monday).
"Through the website, private hospitals can also obtain information related to vaccination methods, the scope of duties, requirements, payment rates and payment methods.
"Currently, there are 203 private hospitals in Malaysia and the health ministry welcomes all these private hospitals to come forward to contribute resources for the welfare of the people and the country."
He said on March 8, 2021, the ministry announced the involvement of Private General Medical Practitioners (GPs) in the NIP.
The number of GP registrations as of April 11, 2021, stands at 2,304, he said.
He said registered GPs and private hospitals will be briefed and trained on the scopes of work in the NIP.
"Also, complete guidelines and manuals will also be provided as a reference in handling the administration of vaccination to the Phase 2 and 3 target groups.
"With this initiative, Malaysians will be vaccinated from government or private facilities (GPs or private hospitals). Vaccine recipients will be informed through MySejahtera regarding the designated vaccination centre location.
"The health ministry is optimistic that this action will increase the confidence of Malaysians to get the vaccine and will increase the number of Covid-19 vaccine registrations.
"Public-private cooperation in this NIP is much welcomed by the government and will open more possibilities for cooperation in various other healthcare services in the future," he added.