By Karen Bong
BINTULU, May 19: The Sarawak government will procure on its own an additional 500,000 doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine for the first batch on top of roping in private hospitals to speed up the State vaccination rollout.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg confirmed that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has agreed to these measures following a meeting between the leaders two weeks ago.
“More vaccines will be procured in the second batch.
“The federal government has also approved for Sarawak to rope in private hospitals which have been gazetted to administer vaccines especially in urban areas to speed up the Covid-19 immunisation rollout in Sarawak,” he told a press conference during a working visit to assess the Covid-19 situation here today.
When these measures are in place in due time, Abang Johari pointed out that corporate companies including industries and plantations can then make arrangements with approved private hospitals for their employees to be inoculated.
“The corporate sector must ensure that their workers are vaccinated. The corporate companies which include industrial companies and plantations will have to organise this themselves.
“The vaccine will be free from the State government but they would have to pay for the services rendered by the private sector which they are negotiating among themselves to come up with a standard price,” he explained.
He reiterated that the State government will procure additional Covid-19 vaccines in order to accelerate vaccination rollout in Sarawak as vaccination is key to tackling and stamping out Covid-19 at this critical time.
“However, even after receiving vaccination, people must continue to have self-discipline by adhering to all safety guidelines,” he reminded.
Abang Johari extended his gratitude and thanks to the Prime Minister and federal government for giving Sarawak the green light to proceed on these matters. — DayakDaily
