KUCHING: In line with the government’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP), Columbia Asia has volunteered to take up the role of functioning as vaccination centres (PPV) at its hospitals in hope of accelerating the vaccination programme.
Columbia Asia Regional Emergency Services Coordinator Dr Sharonpal Singh stated that they are very committed to assisting in accelerating the immunisation programme.
“Our hospital setup is rather small compared to other hospitals but we are determined to fight the pandemic together by helping the country speed up the vaccination programme.
“Our hospital team has designed and constructed viable workflows with dedicated rooms and space to ensure that we can accomplish our duty as a PPV,” he said.
He disclosed that Columbia Asia has been proactive in registering its hospitals as vaccination centres ever since the PPV opportunity was opened to private hospitals.
It was carried out via applications submitted to ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd (ProtectHealth), a wholly-owned non-profit subsidiary of ProtectHealth Malaysia, established under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia (MoH).
“Currently, Columbia Asia Group of hospitals is working with MoH through its eight branches that are now functioning as vaccination centres. This includes our centres in Bintulu and in Miri.
“Together, the eight Columbia Asia hospitals have a capacity of vaccinating 600 people a day,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, Dr Sharonpal also pointed out that collaborations have been formed to expedite the vaccine rollout for corporate clients.
“Since July 5, Columbia Asia Hospital Bintulu and Petronas have collaborated in setting up an industrial vaccination centre at the Kidurong Club and we are expecting to vaccinate over 5,000 employees from the oil and gas companies based here.
“Columbia Asia Hospital Miri also has started its collaboration with a third-party healthcare provider for vaccinations,” he said.
He added that since July 8, the hospital had joined forces with healthcare company, Qualitas, to vaccinate oil and gas employees at the Petronas Carigali office in Lutong, Miri.
“On May 25, Columbia Asia Hospital Miri was the first PPV in the Columbia Asia group of hospitals to roll out vaccinations before the other branches followed suit,” he added.
On the other hand, Dr Sharonpal also encouraged everyone to do their part by registering with MySejahtera for a Covid-19 vaccination.
“We hope the public will arrange for appointments via MySejahtera apps as our hospitals will not accept any walk-in appointments.”
“For those who are hesitant to take the vaccine and have yet to register on MySejahtera, please do so because it (vaccines) will provide us with protection, even against the newer varieties. It will also minimise the chances of hospitalisation and help prevent severe Covid-19 infection,” he added.
