Government Loses RM185 Million Due to Expired Covid-19 Vaccines”

Source: The Vocket

The Malaysian government faces a loss of RM185 million after 9.1 million doses of various Covid-19 vaccines expired and had to be disposed of.

According to Harian Metro, this large-scale disposal occurred by June 11. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that the loss involves logistics and stock storage issues.

Since the Covid-19 immunization program started on February 24, 2021, the government received 84.5 million doses through procurement or donations.

Dr. Dzulkefly noted that he does not intend to criticize previous ministers, acknowledging that they lacked a standard operating procedure (SOP) amid intense competition for vaccines.

He also mentioned that there were 26 reports of serious side effects per million doses administered, including hospitalizations and life-threatening reactions.

“We are aware and continuously monitor these cases through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). Each death is followed up with forensic analysis to identify the cause,” he added during a session in the Dewan Rakyat.

What are your thoughts on the government’s handling of the vaccine supply and the resulting financial loss?