KUCHING: The Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) is urging the government to appoint private hospitals and clinics to step up the state’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Its chairman Datuk John Lau Pang Heng said the federal government has yet to appoint any private hospital and clinic in Sarawak to carry out the vaccination.
“The phase two of the programme shall be for those above the age of 60 years old and high-risk groups.
“However, during our community walk-round every week, many have conversation with us concerning the inclusion of teachers, lecturers, non-governmental organisations (NGO) volunteers, workers, retailers, community leaders, hawkers, lawyers, pharmacists, construction workers, athletics, engineers, social engineers, businessmen who need to travel overseas and sales personnel who need to meet their customers on a daily basis,” he said.
He said in Sarawak, there are a total of 48,703 teachers and educators, with 39,000 teachers in government secondary schools and aided schools plus primary schools, private schools (4,000), kindergarten and care centres’ educators (5,703).
“There are in close contact with young students who aspire to be leaders of the nation when they grow up,” he said.
He added while there are 5,000 college lecturers and professors who are teaching college and university students.
“As of 2017 population statistics, there are 302,800 Sarawakians above the age of 60 in Sarawak. Some of them are still very actively working either for gain, profit or voluntary work. While there are 700 community leaders who are serving the people,” he said.
On phase one of the vaccination, Lau pointed out health care workers like nurses who look after the sick and elderly at home for sick and elderly were not included as well.
“We, therefore, recommend the government to adopt a flexible strategy that would focus on vaccinating people who are in the high-risk group and those with wide contacts with members of the public.
“Prevention is better than cure. We need to stay united to fight Covid-19,” he said.
He also hopes that there will be sufficient vaccines available for all Sarawakians, as this is needed to help minimise the virus infection.
“Getting vaccinated will reduce the chances for us to be infected with Covid-19 virus.
“However, we still need to maintain the standard operating procedures (SOPs) like wearing face masks while we are outside the house, wash our hands frequently, keep physical distancing and avoid congested places,” said Lau.
