KUALA LUMPUR: Private clinics and hospitals should be allowed to provide Covid-19 vaccinations to the general public, says MCA Public Services and Complaints Department chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong (pic).
Chong said by allowing private clinics and hospitals to administer Covid-19 vaccines, it could alleviate the government’s burden and ensure that more individuals are vaccinated.
“There are 9,000 private clinics and hospitals around the country. We are asking you to give people a chance so they can have the vaccine.
“Many people don’t want to wait and they have money to pay, why can’t you allow private hospitals and clinics to do it?” he questioned.
“I appeal to our Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, please consider allowing private hospitals and clinics to vaccinate the public, ” he said.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference held at Wisma MCA on Tuesday (March 2), Chong also recounted his previous experience with Covid-19, which he described as a painful one.
“The feeling is really painful for senior citizens and I’ve spent close to RM40,000 for being warded about two weeks, that is why I have the right to talk about this today, ” he said.
“Rather than spending thousands in the hospital, why not just vaccinate them?” he questioned.
Chong also said the government’s target to vaccinate 70% of the country’s population by the first quarter of 2022 could adversely affect the recovery of the economy, which was already affected by Covid-19 lockdowns since last year.
“In other words, everything will be affected, especially business and economy, ” he added.
At the same time, Chong said the government must have an open mind on this issue, as he stressed that vaccines must be quickly made available to the public so travelling activities can continue once again.
“So many businesses have closed shops because of the pandemic. The government can help by taking into account all these points I raised.
If the government has concerns over private clinics and hospitals profiteering from Covid-19 vaccines, then it could implement regulations and price tariffs, Chong suggested.
