Malaysia’s jab programme must ensure equitable access for all


THE National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme that began rolling out on February 24 will be expanded and speeded up, according to a government announcement on March 8. The government said this will be achieved by involving general practitioners (GP) in the private sector to assist in Phase 2 vaccinations. A clarification was made a week later that the vaccinations will be free of charge, as Putrajaya will provide the vaccines and also an appropriate amount to cover the cost incurred by the private facility. 

People’s Health Forum welcomes this move, in particular, the effort to call on the widespread private GP clinics in the country. According to Health Facts 2020 there are currently 2,885 government clinics (1,114 health clinics and 1,771 village clinics). In addition, there are 7,988 private clinics, most of which are small GP practices that are well distributed and easily accessible to urban populations, and so will speed up the vaccination rollout greatly. 

We also note there have been calls for the government to allow private healthcare providers to procure their own vaccines and operate a separate and parallel vaccination programme. These vaccinations will presumably be paid for by those who choose to go there because they want to jump the queue rather than wait for their turn under the government programme. 

While the government has expressed some willingness to allow this, we would like to sound a note of caution. In a situation of global vaccine shortage as we are facing now, a parallel private sector vaccination rollout is highly inequitable, potentially resulting in those who should be prioritised (the front-liners, elderly, patients with underlying conditions) not getting the vaccines earlier, as those who can afford it jump the queue in the private sector. 

There are also other issues besides the issues of equity and medical need. In India, governmental price control has been made a condition for private sector vaccine rollouts. Since March 1, in addition to free access in Indian government vaccination centres, eligible individuals will have the option to be vaccinated in private centres for a maximum fee of Rs250 (about RM14) per dose, of which Rs150 (about RM8.50) is the negotiated vaccine price. While this can speed up vaccination of those at risk, public health experts have also called on the Indian government to put in place checks to ensure compliance of screening procedures, vaccination protocols, and proper monitoring of adverse effects following immunisation.

In Indonesia, an “independent vaccination” programme was approved last month to supplement the government-run national vaccination programme following pressure from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Business entities can register to buy vaccines for their staff and their families. However, there are conditions attached to this scheme. First, the vaccines have to be procured by Bio Farma (state-owned vaccine manufacturer/importer) to ensure quality and safety.

Secondly, the vaccines for the private vaccination programme must be different from the type of vaccines used in the government’s programme to avoid any undermining of the supplies for the public programme, since there are serious shortages.  While this is expected to speed up the speed of inoculation in the country, it has also triggered concerns that it could worsen inequity because the authorisation does not require participating business entities to cover all their workers. So, a company may include only some categories of employees, leaving uncertainties over temporary or outsourced workers and their families.

In any event, we should be aware that the continuing global shortage of vaccines is of widespread concern and will be a deciding factor for any national vaccination programme to achieve its timeline. 

Therefore, any involvement of the private sector must ensure equitable access to vaccination for the population. – March 19, 2021.

* The People’s Health Forum is a platform created by civil society groups and individuals committed to the principle of health for all.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


Sign up or sign in here to comment.


Comments