PETALING JAYA: Paxlovid, the antiviral drug used to treat Covid-19, is now available at several major private hospitals, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.
Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said private hospitals started receiving stocks of the antiviral drug last week and most of them have it now.
He said the drug would be dispensed to patients based on the guidelines set by the Health Ministry.
“We need to see whether the patient is eligible for the drug based on the set criteria,” he said when contacted.
“While the drug is free, patients would still have to pay for consultation.”
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Paxlovid would be dispensed to high risk groups with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms.
The criteria include those aged 18 and above with Categories 2 or 3 infections and who do not need oxygen therapy.
Khairy said Paxlovid had been used to treat Covid-19 at government health facilities since April 15.