▪ Association says vaccination progress inconsistent, urges more private sector participation.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has raised concern over perceived inconsistency in the nationwide vaccination process, including the low number of private vaccination centres.

APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said some states such as Melaka had yet to begin the vaccination process on doctors and staff of private hospitals.

He said they had instead been scheduled for vaccination at the end of the month, which was the beginning of Phase 2 in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).

He said in some states, certain private hospitals were among the key economic contributors to both the state and country’s revenue through initiatives such as medical tourism.

“We hope the vaccination programme can be increased in some states, including the east coast and small towns in Sarawak,” he said yesterday.

Dr Kuljit said given that Phase 2 of the NIP would begin in 10 days, the government should increase the involvement of private healthcare providers, including medical practitioners to assist the country's vaccination programme.

“There are discussions with the government to provide compensation for the cost of rehabilitation in private healthcare centres so as not to burden the people.

“Our proposal to help the economic frontline through private vaccination programmes needs to be given serious consideration.

“We hope it is implemented after the initial success of the public vaccination programme by the middle of the year or latest by the third quarter of this year, which is also targeted for the economic front lines,” he said.

The government had previously said it would engage the private healthcare sector to have it on board for phases 2 and 3 of the NIP, which are set to begin next month and in May, respectively.