Can’t afford a vaccine blunder

Published on: Sunday, January 17, 2021

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MALAYSIA is currently undergoing four major crises: the Covid-19 pandemic is raging through the nation, with case numbers increasing at a frightening rate; there is ongoing political uncertainty and, hence, national instability; there is a very serious economic slowdown threatening a recession; and there are unsettled socially divisive issues that could disrupt the harmony of this beautiful nation.

The chilling truth is we may be mirroring on a smaller scale what the United States is now undergoing in these four areas.

The plan to vaccinate and immunise the majority of the people against Covid-19 to ensure we have good herd immunity is the necessary way ahead. Regarding this imminent vaccination programme, the Association of Specialists in Private Medical Practice Malaysia would like to urge the Health Ministry and the government to choose the best and safest vaccines for the people.

We are deeply concerned that the nation’s health may be severely compromised if we do not put the people first, above politics and commercial gain. We must not allow commercial interests to reap huge gains from the vaccination of the masses. The vaccines should be given free if possible or at a much discounted rate to those who may have to pay.

Furthermore, we appeal to the Health Ministry and the government not to compromise on safety and efficacy. At no time should Malaysia go for cheaper, secondgrade, commercially “more attractive” vaccines, especially those that are rejected by other nations, because we cannot compromise the nation’s health. We may be a small country, yet all countries have their negotiating power, and, in our experience, Malaysia is not new at negotiating with the West.

The people of Malaysia may have no say in the purchase of military equipment or the choosing of mega projects but when it comes to the health of the nation, every single Malaysian has a voice and a right to choose the best healthcare for him/herself.

We must reserve the right to reject any vaccine that has a bad track record or that doesn’t have any reliable track record or that has been rejected by other nations.

In this respect, we appeal to the Health Ministry and the government to be transparent with the people in the following matters:

- The brand and name of the vaccines must be made clearly apparent, and there must be no repackaging.

- We must be assured that the same high quality vaccine from the same brand is made available rather than one “modified” for a Third World nation.

- There must not be any “experimental trials” for the masses.

Migrant populations and foreign workers must also be vaccinated and given the same safe and effective vaccine.

- Which groups of people will be prioritised for vaccination must be made clear.

We hope the question of a “commission” will not arise. This is about the health and well-being of the nation, and the ultimate payors are the citizens of Malaysia and all who work here. We need a strong assurance from the government that the people of Malaysia will not be short-changed, and that there will be no parties who will gain a big pay cheque for obtaining the vaccines.

As far as vaccination programmes go, Malaysia has done well and kept up to date with most international standards.

Let us once again show the world that we can conduct this important exercise in an exemplary way, with the best of vaccines available, as soon as possible, with the sincere and true aim of protecting the people of this country as well as residents and workers so that life can return to normal soon.

- Dr Sng Kim Hock, Datuk Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh, Dr Khoshala Krishnamurthy, Dr Maya Nagaratnam, Dr Kok Choong Seng, Dr Azlina Firzah Abdul Aziz, Dr Saladina Jazle Jasmin

Association of Specialists in Private Medical Practice Malaysia