THE Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy supports the Government’s decision to include foreign nationals residing in the country into the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, saying that it is ‘both right and embedded in sound public health practices’.
By providing the foreign nationals with free vaccinations, Galen Centre CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib believes that the decision will make a significant difference.
“We must look to and plan for the future. If you want to reopen economic sectors, rebuild livelihoods and position Malaysia as a safe destination for investors, tourists and other countries, we need to ensure that the COVID-19 strategy includes everyone,” he opined.
“Malaysians living abroad are already getting vaccinated alongside the citizens of other countries, and are not excluded from vaccination programmes in those locations. Ensuring that as many people are vaccinated against COVID-19, without discrimination, bias or preference is a public health strategy towards achieving the objective of herd immunity,” he added.
Azrul also said that countries that have already taken such approach have begun to see significant and positive changes in their economic situations.
Therefore, he believes that this decision will further strengthen the Government’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. – Feb 13, 2021
