Probe confirms bogus doctor never gave jabs, spent most time in registration

KUCHING: The Health Department’s internal investigation of a youth who impersonated a doctor at the Stadium Perpaduan vaccination centre (PPV) has confirmed that he never administered any Covid-19 vaccine, nor was he ever assigned any duties.

On Tuesday (July 6), Shah Hairil Izman Dave, 20, pleaded guilty in a Magistrates’ Court here to impersonating a doctor at the PPV, and also at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

In a statement yesterday, the department found that the individual purporting to be ‘Dr Shah’ had gone to the PPV several times, since June 16 this year.

“He claimed to be a graduate medical officer from SGH, and informed that he was only there to help when free, but did not report for official duty. No assignments were assigned to him; he was mostly seen in the registration room,” said the department.

The Health Department pointed out the impostor was never listed on the official duty schedule that was set for all Ministry of Health (MoH) staff and volunteers at the PPV.

“In fact, every station chief in the PPV usually would ensure all staff members complete their check-in and check-out each time they are on duty.

“All vaccinators on duty are ensured to have their ‘Annual Practice Certificate’ before being allowed to administer the vaccines,” said the department.

Investigations also found the name and staff pass used by this ‘Dr Shah’ were fake.

“He has never worked as a vaccinator at SGH PPV or as a volunteer, with no record of self-declaration screening that must be made each time they clock in to work. His claim to be a graduate medical officer in the Neurology Division of SGH is still under investigation,” it said.

The Health Department has issued a directive for immediate improvement to the management of the PPV at Stadium Perpaduan and also at SGH to prevent the incident from repeating.

Among the improvements are the issuance of staff pass at the PPV with serial number registered for each staff, and having their names submitted to the police superintendent at the PPV.

Each section chief is also to ensure the collection of an attendance register for the beginning and end of shift, and all medical practitioners on duty should be able to produce their respective ‘Annual Practice Certificates’ at any time.

There has also been the tightening of all entry points at SGH with compliance check on the use of department staff pass, temporary pass, and authorised contractors pass in all wards and hospital general areas.

There have also been update reminders on compliance in using the staff pass at SGH; strict action against forgery of department staff pass; and issuance of posters regarding the offence of impersonating a public servant.

“All staff members have also been informed to report immediately to the management of the PPV and hospital if they come across any suspicious individual at those respective areas,” said the department.

In addition, the Health Department also appealed to all parties visiting MoH facilities such as PPVs and hospitals to always cooperate with the security guards, who are only carrying out their duties in ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) for the safety in those facilities.