The government must provide financial coverage to the people should there be any resulting injuries caused by vaccination, said Semambu assemblyperson Lee Chean Chung.
Noting that the risk of injury is extremely low, Lee said the financial coverage would still offer greater peace of mind to the inoculated person.
"The government’s commitment to the financial coverage is meant to provide a greater peace of mind for those taking the vaccination, as well as to demonstrate that the government is shouldering the risk beyond merely paying lip service," he said in a statement.
The PKR treasurer-general cited examples where Singapore provides a Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme worth about RM30,500 for those who suffer side-effects from getting the vaccines and a one-off payment of about RM680,000 to be compensated if a person dies or suffers severe permanent disability.
He also said in the United Kingdom, the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme provides coverage of up to RM670,000 if the inoculated person is severely disabled as a result of vaccination.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today launched the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme guidebook where he encouraged the public to take the free vaccine.
In a media conference after the launch, when asked about possible complications arising, Muhyiddin said the Health Ministry will devise a plan on the matter.
Lee also urged the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (Liam), General Insurance Association of Malaysia (Piam), and the Malaysia Takaful Association (MTA) to extend coverage to Covid-19 vaccination complications that result in hospitalisation.
"All seven insurance operators in Singapore announced earlier on Jan 25 that they will cover Covid-19 vaccine complications that lead to hospitalisation till Dec 31, 2021.
"Malaysians, too, expect private industry players to show proactive commitment with the nation," he added.
The government is offering vaccines to both citizens and non-citizens for free.
The first phase of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme begins on Feb 26 with medical and non-medical frontliners. - Mkini
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