Residents of Kampung Labi received their Covid-19 vaccination at Brunei's first mobile vaccination service at Mukim Labi. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct 12 (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The first mobile vaccination service at Mukim Labi witnessed an impressive turnout from local residents who were unable to visit the main vaccination centre at the Suri Seri Begawan (SSB) Hospital in Kuala Belait.
The move represents a step forward in aiding the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) drive to vaccinate more than 80 per cent of the country’s population.
“We have started offering vaccinations at the Labi Health Clinic for the convenience of residents in Mukim Labi, Mukim Sawat and its surrounding,” said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar.
The minister said 100 individuals turned up to receive their doses on the first day of the vaccination drive in Mukim Labi.
“This is a good reception and we hope to see more residents come forward in the next few days,” he added.
Overseeing the mobile vaccination centre’s operations on its first day was Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi Hanapi Mohd Siput, who said the turnout had surpassed expectations.
“We were only expecting those who had registered in advance to turn up, but there was a large number of walk-ins, which surpassed those who had made early bookings. This indicates that there are still many residents who have yet to be vaccinated. I hope the MoH will respond accordingly by further developing the systems in place to meet the ongoing demand for vaccines.”
Leading the three-day mobile vaccination centre is Head of Basic Healthcare Services at the Labi Health Clinic Dr Elham Mohd Ismail, who said that while the vaccination centre has a minimum of 50 open slots per day, the actual capacity will vary, according to each day’s supply and demand.
Personnel from the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and volunteers are helping to ensure the smooth running of operations at the centre.
Dr Elham said that the RBAF not only provides the transport, but also conducts home visits to those unable to make it to the centre.
The mobile vaccination centre at the Labi Health Clinic will continue to operate until tomorrow from 9am to 3pm, on a walk-in basis or by booking a slot. Those unable to visit the Labi Health Clinic due to health problems are required to inform village heads for vaccination arrangements at their own homes. - BOrneo BUlletin/ANN
