KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak is looking to secure additional supplies of Pfizer’s COVID-19 drug Paxlovid, says Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said a discussion with representatives from Pfizer will be held on Monday night (Apr 11) together with the Sarawak Covid-19 Advisory Group (SCOVAG) led by its chairman Datuk Dr Andrew Kiyu to acquire the oral antiviral drug.
He said the additional supply of drugs will complement the first 48,000 doses of Paxlovid to be received and distributed by the Health Ministry soon.
“The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will also be getting its share of the shipment, however, 48,000 doses might not be enough for the whole country.
“Our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) had always emphasised that if good medication can protect and save the lives of Sarawakians, if we can buy it, we will buy it.
“So tonight (Apr 11), I will be joining our local medical experts to meet with Pfizer as we are very keen to buy additional supplies of Paxlovid so that every major hospital in Sarawak will be able to have the drugs on standby,” he said.
Dr Sim said this at a press conference after launching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Healthy City celebration at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre, here on Monday.
Aside from that, the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said Sarawak has continued to lead in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids) with 78 per cent of its children aged five to 11 having been administered at least the first vaccine dose as of last Sunday (Apr 10) night.
“I understand that to vaccinate children is a bit tricky because for one, the parents must be around to sign (the letter of consent). The parents must be there and in this context, working parents may not always be free.”
In view of this, he urged all parents to spend some time bringing their children for vaccination at nearby health clinics.
“If you love your children, you must protect them. (The clinics) will not ask for payment, they only ask for your time to bring your children for vaccination,” he reminded.
Additionally, Dr Sim noted that the state is still contemplating the need for booster doses for adolescents aged between 12 and 17 who have received at least two doses of the vaccine.
“We are very much depending on our local medical experts’ advice, because in the end, it’s all science,” he added.
