NOVEMBER , 2023 | THE HEALTH

PPE requirements for the implementation of screening , prevention , control and treatment activities for Covid-19 are based on the Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control ( IPC ) Measures In Managing Person Under Surveillance ( PUS ), Suspected , Probable or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease ( Covid-19 ).

further emphasising the urgency and pressures surrounding the situation .

Another concerning aspect of the emergency procurement process is the lack of a documented agreement or contract between the MoH and PLSB . This absence of official documentation means that neither party can be held accountable for the malfunction of 104 ventilator units .

Until now , the ambiguity surrounding PLSB ’ s role has prevented the initiation of legal action , leaving many unanswered questions .

The conflicting information between the MoH and PLSB regarding the warranty for the 136 ventilator units is another important finding from the PAC report .

A review of the quotation document submitted by PLSB to PAC , shows that the warranty is stated by the supplier . However , PAC found that the quotation document did not include all 136 ventilator units and there was no receipt . The absence of proper records and documentation adds a layer of complexity to this controversy .

According to meeting transcripts published in the PAC report , then Transport Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong was actively involved in the procurement process from China .

Despite an extension of the Covid-19 vaccine ’ s expiration date , the report highlights a significant concern ; 8.5 million doses worth RM505 million expired as of June 1 , 2023 .

Meanwhile , former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he took full responsibility for the cost of the wasted Covid-19 vaccines . He , however , denied any wrongdoing in the ventilator procurement , pointing out that the ventilators were purchased in 2020 while he became Health

The chronology of vaccine reception is not on schedule .

Minister in 2021 .

On the whole , this vaccine oversight highlights the challenges of vaccine procurement based on projections and the complexities of managing excess vaccines due to decreased demand , delayed supplies , and international donations .

The report also touched on the issue of a surplus stock of 850,000 boot covers , worth RM927,000 , set to expire at the end of 2024 . Addressing this issue becomes crucial in minimising losses incurred by the MoH and optimising resource allocation .

RECOMMENDATIONS

In light of the report findings , PAC offered several critical recommendations :

• The Control Officer should ensure that public interest remains the top priority during emergency procurement .

• Even in emergencies , meticulous documentation should be a priority to enhance accountability .

• The MoH must investigate the warranty status of all ventilator units and take appropriate actions .

• Ensure that surplus PPE is used efficiently before expiration , reducing losses to the government .

• Encourage local production of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to reduce reliance on foreign sources , strengthening the healthcare system . PAC ’ s comprehensive report on emergency procurement during the Covid- 19 pandemic sheds light on the intricate challenges and consequences faced by Malaysia . It underscores the significance of transparency , accountability , and preparedness in the procurement of essential medical supplies during unprecedented global crises . - The Health

Delivery schedule in the contract Vaccine reception

THE MALAYSIAN Alliance for Effective Covid Control ( MAECC ) and Malaysian Council for Health ( MCH ) have raised concerns regarding the relentless push for Covid-19 vaccine boosters despite known failures in the procurement and safety of these vaccines .

In a joint media release , they drew attention to the recurring issues in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines and medical equipment by government departments .

“ Not only is the Covid-19 endemic , the oftrepeated foul-up procurement procedure by our government departments despite the yearly Auditor- General ’ s caution appears to be endemic too ,” stated the media release .

The recent report by Parliament ’ s Public Accounts Committee ( PAC ) report released on Oct 30 brings to light the alarming loss of 8.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines , valued at RM505 million due to their expiry and the malfunction of 104 ventilator machines .

“ At a time when Malaysia is struggling to get out of the middle-income trap , to pay the RM1.5 trillion debt and faced with an inevitable global stagflation , every one of us whether in the public and private sector must be productive and make the best contribution to our country ,” it stated .

KEY CONCERNS SURROUNDING BOOSTER SHOTS

The joint release highlighted several key concerns that raise doubts about the effectiveness and safety of Covid-19 vaccines , particularly booster shots :

• A recently published study by Speicher et al ( 2023 ) has confirmed that plasmid DNA contaminated with simian virus 40 ( SV40 ) genes was found in the mRNA Covid vaccines . SV40 is an oncogenic DNA virus known to cause cancer and immune dysregulation . It is also suspected to cause AIDS .

• Numerous countries in the world are now reporting excess deaths for the year 2022 in spite of the less virulent Omicron strain and when most had been fully vaccinated including boosters . Data from the Statistics Department of Malaysia shows the same , with excess deaths about 28 per cent compared to the baseline period of the previous five years from 2016 to 2020 when the average increase was three per cent .

• Several published scientific reports have shown that the risk for Covid-10 infection increased with the number of Covid shots one had .

• Some countries , including the UK , have reported that in 2022 the all-cause deaths per 100 thousand for the vaccinated ( one to three shots ) far superseded the unvaccinated .

• There are at least 15 studies that showed highly infectious and virulent mutated Delta strain was able to by-pass the vaccines , and three studies showed those vaccinated were more susceptible and carried higher viral loads in their mucous membranes compared to the unvaccinated .

• A scientific study published in The Lancet has confirmed that natural immunity acquired from a previous Covid-19 infection was as high , if not higher , than that provided by two doses of the mRNA vaccine .

• A scientific paper by Alden et al ( 2022 ) in an In Vitro study has confirmed that the mRNA vaccine could enter human liver cells and be converted into DNA . In light of these key concerns , the joint release questions why there was such a relentless push for booster shots in 2022 . The joint release also stressed that their stance is not against vaccination programmes but rather against unsafe vaccines , and urged the PAC to provide answers .