KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) will supply at least 3,000 Paxlovid courses in preparation to treat pilgrims if they contracted Covid-19 while performing the haj.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said medical staff would assess patient suitability before prescribing the antiviral drug to pilgrims who have tested positive for Covid-19.

       "Apart from this antiviral drug, prevention measures and infection control will be increased to contain the spread of the Covid-19 infection, as well as other infectious diseases,” he said in a statement here on Friday (May 13).

       He said the government has approved a total of RM5mil to fund health services for Malaysian pilgrims this year, which includes the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, as well as airfare and allowances for medical staff.

       He said the MOH also encouraged prospective pilgrims aged between 18 and over 60 years old who are at clinical risk of having severe illnesses to take the opportunity to get a second booster shot before leaving for the holy land, adding, however, the second booster shot is voluntary.

       Meanwhile, Khairy said a total of 255 medical staff will assist Tabung Haji on this year’s haj operations, consisting of 128 experienced staff who had participated in previous operations and 127 new personnel, from various categories such as medicine, pharmacy, nurses, health care and spiritual care assistants. - Bernama