We've requested vaccine for students since Feb - medical college

 

A private medical college said they had tried to include their students in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) since February.

However, according to the International Medical College (IMC), feedback from the relevant authority only came last week.

In a statement to Malaysiakini, the college said they have contacted various agencies including the Health Ministry, Higher Education Ministry (MOHE), Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities, Malaysia Nursing Board and the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre over the matter.

"On the matter of vaccination for students, since February 2021, the IMC together with the International Medical University (IMU), have made a concerted effort and worked actively to reach out to the various governing authorities to request for medical, dental, nursing and Health Sciences students who undergo their practical in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities as frontliners to be included in the priority list for vaccination.

"The request was made as the students are equally treating and managing the patients’ wellbeing in the healthcare settings," the college said.

Malaysiakini had written a request to IMC and IMU for their comments on the issue after the father of an IMC student complained that it was unfair for the trainees to be left out, as they too face the same risks as other frontliners. 

The father, whose daughter had a brush with coronavirus during training recently, also claimed that the college had reacted with "indifference" when he escalated his concerns to them.

The IMC told Malaysiakini that they were informed by MOHE on May 20 that vaccination will be commenced for students in the Klang Valley starting May 22.

However, according to them, this is only for medical and dental students. IMC's statement is in line with MOHE's response to the issue on Tuesday. 

"It is our pleasure to note, on May 20, 2021, MOHE has informed the respective private higher learning institutions that the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) will commence vaccination for medical and dental students in the Klang Valley and Selangor starting May 22, 2021.

"We are following up closely with the respective ministries and governing authorities on the vaccination roll-out for nursing, health sciences and complementary medicine students.

"Students are to ensure they register for the vaccination and monitor the alert that will be sent via their MySejahtera Application," the college said. - Mkini