KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) will only be operating until Oct 31, says Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

       Dr Adham, who is also joint CITF chairman, said from Nov 1, the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) would be fully implemented by the Health Ministry (MOH) as the current development of PICK has attained a commendable level.

       "Following the current development of PICK at a good level, the mandate to immunise the populace subsequently, as was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, would be returned by CITF to the MOH.

       "I am confident MOH is indeed experienced and ready, especially MOH is now actively vaccinating teenagers," he said when attending the closing ceremony of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium Vaccination Centre (PPV) here Friday (Oct 1).

       He said the non-MOH PPVs - which were managed by CITF currently - had started to close down in stages nationwide, adding that non-MOH PPVs would no longer be operational after Oct 31.

       Dr Adham also said from this month, CITF would be making announcements on the channels for the public to submit any query when PICK is regulated under MOH.

       He said that MOH, Mosti and CITF had started discussions and co-ordinating matters of returning the tasks of Covid-19 immunisation to ensure it would continue to proceed smoothly.

       CITF was established by a Cabinet decision on Feb 3 this year to monitor the work framework and overall strategy to support the implementation of PICK. - Bernama