Blank jabs add to taskforce’s credibility crisis

The Covid-19 immunisation taskforce is embroiled in a credibility crisis.

First, it was several exposes by citizens being given ‘blank shot’ vaccinations. This forced the controversy-courting health minister to respond by assuring the public that those who received blank shots could come back for a complete dose.

Next, there were also claims by the public that the vaccination appointment system was open to abuse. Allegations of the sale of vaccines and vaccination appointments by shadowy personnel surfaced.

Then concerns emerged about posters at certain centres spelling out a strict dress code for those appearing for vaccinations.

We also heard that people were being pressured to pay for face shields at a mega vaccine centre.

Why must the taskforce be inundated with endless suspicious allegations that could weaken public confidence in the national vaccination drive?

What is so difficult about having a spotless delivery of the nationwide vaccination programme?

Are there any deep-seated corrupt opportunities weaving their way through such an important health exercise?

Blank shots

The minister responsible for immunisation and the health minister must respond with straight answers.

It is unthinkable that there are reported cases of people receiving blank or incomplete dosages of vaccines.

Apologising or reprimanding staff on duty at vaccine centres is like quickly plastering over a serious act.

We have to ask some hard questions because administering an injection is not casual business – more so when it is a vaccine meant to protect against a deadly virus.

The government spends enormous amounts of money to procure the vaccines. The entire nation’s healthcare machinery has to be deployed, and many medical staff are exhausted.

Many are wondering how trained certain medical staff can inject blank shots or half measures of the tiny dose of vaccine. How many such instances have there been so far?

The last time some expose was made, the immunisation minister rushed to reassure everyone that new safety standards would be added, namely having an additional staff member to be the eyes for each dose administered.

Are we saying that despite this additional measure, we are still having such incidents?

We need clear, prompt answers from the health minister, and it must be immediate. Apologising to those vaccinated or saying that disciplinary action would be taken against the staff responsible is not the solution.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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