LETTER | There is too much noise in the marketplace as far as Covid-19 vaccination is concerned. I think some are deliberately started by people itching to make some fast bucks.
I think the government should be unequivocal that there is no private registration or private access to Covid-19 vaccines.
As much as the government may not be the most efficient entity, it should remain the sole body to import and allocate the vaccines.
In this regard, need and urgency are the most important, not on who can afford to pay. The vaccine is for the public good and it should only be made available based on the good of the public. I can’t imagine a retiree in Kedah will be able to get the vaccine if vaccination is dished out based on profit.
Why should anyone be given preference simply because they are rich or influential? Why should certain entities particularly private hospitals and clinics be allowed to make profit from this? If they want to help, they should do so based on the mandate and target groups given by the government.
All this private access and registration is making people anxious. I think it should not be allowed. Who is really more important – a rubber glove factory or a five-star hotel? What about people in old folk homes who have nowhere to go? Who is to decide who have a greater need to travel than others?
Other than medical personnel engaging directly in the treatment and vaccination of Covid-19, there is really no other frontliner. What economic frontliner when everyone is in the economy?
Vaccine must be administered based on urgency and need. If we have decided it should be based on age, then stick to it. If ever there is any deviation from this criterion, please justify it clearly.
My contention is we should never ever allow private hospitals to have access to the vaccines. They will do it for profit and they will do it based on ability to pay. Private hospitals can help the government to vaccinate, but they cannot decide who to vaccinate. The government will decide on this.
The government must fulfil its promise to provide free vaccination to all citizens who want it.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
