PUTRAJAYA has allocated RM1 billion to increase the capacity of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, hospital equipment for Covid-19 treatment and strengthen public health, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said this allocation was the government’s commitment toward ensuring that the health system wouldn’t collapse and would operate effectively.

He said this in a special address to announce the government’s financial assistance under Pemerkasa Plus tonight.

“RM450 million ringgit will be allocated to increase the capacity of ICU beds and equipment for Covid-19 treatment.

“This is not only for Health Ministry-supervised hospitals but also those in university hospitals such as UiTM, UPM and UKM, as well as through army field hospitals such as those in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a televised broadcast.

Muhyiddin also said the government has allocated RM550 million to cover the expenses of various agencies related to the pandemic.

This, he said, includes increasing operating and management costs in dealing with the health crisis, including medicines, reagents for screening and appointment of officers on a contract basis.

“This will also include the cost of operating the Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centres at MAEPS and at the state level.”

Muhyiddin also said the government will extend the contract of more than 14,000 medical officers and contract nurses until 2022.

“In addition, the government will also re-appoint more than 500 health workers who will retire this year on a contract basis.

“I have also instructed MOSTI (Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry) to expedite the administration of vaccines through the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.”

He added that the daily vaccine doses had already reached an average of 80,000 in May.

“Hopefully, by the end of June, we will be able to achieve the target of 150,000 doses a day through the increase in vaccine from manufacturing companies and more vaccination centres.

“This will also include the introduction of drive-by vaccination centres and more volunteers.”

Muhyiddin said that based on projections, the overall implementation of the vaccination programme will be completed by December with high population density states such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang by October.

The prime minister also appealed to those with vaccination dates to turn up at the designated vaccination centres.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure the country achieves herd immunity by the end of this year.”

As for difficulties faced by the elderly in getting the vaccine, Muhyiddin said he has directed government assets such as buses, vans and vehicles to be used for this purpose.

I very much welcome the cooperation of the private sector, NGOs and civil society organisations to also intensify this effort.” – May 31, 2021.