KUCHING – The Sarawak government has allocated RM2 million for the purchase of Paxlovid antiviral drugs following the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has been tasked to lead the procurement process of the drugs and once acquired will then be distributed to health clinics throughout the state for free.
“We (Sarawak) want to have the stock (of Paxlovid) in case there is a surge in Covid-19 cases in the state…because if you have mild Covid-19 symptoms and be given the pill (Paxlovid) you will be better after three to four days,” he told reporters after attending “The Life of Datuk Polycarp Sim Cheng Mong” book launching ceremony here, today.
On December 18, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said a total of 20,696 Covid-19 cases were reported during the 50th Epidemiology Week from December 10 to December 16, which is an increase of 62.2% compared to 12,757 cases in ME-49.
Dzulkefly said the majority of cases or about 97% were from Category 1 (asymptomatic) and 2 (mild symptoms), with 28 fatalities reported.
He said Healthy Ministry and non-Health Ministry agencies such as teaching hospitals, military hospitals, and private facilities are also prepared to face any influx of outpatients and admissions. – December 20, 2023