KUALA LUMPUR: Private hospitals will no longer serve as vaccination centres (PPVs) or participate in mega PPVs by the end of this month following the latest directive from the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), says Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh.

       The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) president said private hospitals will now focus outside the Klang Valley both in terms of enhancing vaccination and decanting patients into private hospitals.

       "We in private hospitals will abide by all policies and directions given by the government in the process of vaccination and managing this pandemic.

       "At any time, we would give our support as requested by the government and will not question or dispute the arrangements made by all government stakeholders," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 23).

       On Sunday (Aug 22), CITF said the involvement of private general practitioners (GPs) in administering Covid-19 vaccines was based on current needs to ensure continuity of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       CITF explained that the operation to boost vaccination capacity that sought to control the Covid-19 outbreak in relevant areas was carried out from July 26 to Aug 1.

       This led to its decision to reduce the number of vaccination centres in Klang Valley, including the participation of GPs.

       According to Dr Kuljit, private hospitals had successfully accepted close to 2,000 decanted patients in the Greater Klang Valley.

       "APHM wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Health Ministry with the organisation done by ProtectHealth Sdn Bhd and the Science, Innovation and Technology Ministry for this opportunity to administer close to 1.5 million complete doses to citizens and non-citizens of Malaysia.

       "The experience of providing service in this vaccination programme has been truly rewarding," he said.

       Dr Kuljit said selected private hospitals would conduct private vaccination for those who require it upon their request, and will also be prepared to administer booster shots if necessary in future.

       "Our plea is to have a wider range of vaccine types made available to paying patients which will further strengthen herd immunity.

       "This will decrease the hesitancy when the public is given a choice to pick the type of vaccine.

       "APHM will continue to work closely with all the new Cabinet ministers in fighting this pandemic as soon as possible.

       "The importance of getting the economy back on its feet will be significant to the businesses of private hospitals.

       "In view of this, collaborative efforts between private hospitals and public healthcare will be continuously strengthened with the new national leadership," he said.