Private hospitals can join NIP, says health minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Private hospitals will be allowed to administer Covid-19 vaccines under Phases 2 and 3 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba yesterday said the government had agreed to involve private hospitals in the NIP, which would 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 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.”
Dr Adham said private hospitals that were interested in taking part in the programme could register via the ProtectHealth Corporation website at www.protecthealth.com.my starting yesterday.
“Through the website, private hospitals can get information related to vaccination methods, the scope of duties, requirements, payment rates and payment methods.
“There are 203 private hospitals in Malaysia and the Health Ministry welcomes all of them to contribute resources for the welfare of the people and the country.”
He said on March 8, the ministry had announced the involvement of private general medical practitioners (GPs) in the NIP.
The number of GPs registered up to April 11 was 2,304, Dr Adham said.
He said registered GPs and private hospitals would be briefed and trained on the scope of work in the NIP.
“Complete guidelines and manuals will be provided as a reference in handling the administration of vaccines to Phases 2 and 3 target groups.
Dr Adham said: “With this initiative, Malay-sians will be vaccinated from government or private facilities.
“Vaccine recipients will be informed through MySejahtera regarding the vaccination centre location.
“The Health Ministry is optimistic that this action will boost the confidence of Malaysians to get the vaccine and will increase the number of vaccine registrations.
“The public-private cooperation in the NIP is welcomed by the government and will open more possibilities for cooperation in healthcare services in the future.”