Pahang’s first IPT vaccination centre opens its doors [NSTTV]

By T.N. Alagesh – July 19, 2021 @ 12:59pm

KUANTAN: The Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (Sasmec@IIUM) opened its doors as the first vaccination centre for Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT PPV) in Pahang today.

Sasmec@IIUM‘s hospital director Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Saufi Awang said the university hospital which operates five days a week between 9am and 5pm has the capacity of administering up to 1,000 vaccine doses daily.

He said Sasmec@IIUM had provided vaccination for their staff and patients since March this year before being selected to serve as among the IPT PPVs last month.

“We started operations today and will continue until October or November ahead of the monsoon season. The aim is to ensure at least 80 per cent of the population here are vaccinated by November.

“The centre will not only cater to the elderly and those with special needs but also those aged 18-years-old and above. Everything is in place and we hope the vaccination process will be executed as scheduled,” he told reporters when met today.

Saufi said some 300 staff including 180 Sasmec@IIUM students were part of the volunteers on duty at various sections of the IPT PPV, and they have been exposed to simulation exercises at the site.

He said besides providing on-site vaccination facilities, they were also looking forward to being part of the vaccination outreach programme with the health department.

“We hope to work together with the health authorities to travel to Orang Asli settlements to vaccinate as many people as possible, quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sasmec@IIUM IPT PPV coordination head Associate Professor. Dr Razman Mohd. Rus said to ensure the area was not crowded, several waiting zones with tents have been provided near the premises.

“For those who arrive early, we have the arrival tent set up outside the main lobby. We have provided chairs at the waiting areas and have volunteers on ground to help the public move around,” he said, adding buggies and wheelchair facilities were offered for the disabled and elderly.

Meanwhile, volunteer Mohamad Azhan Awang, 24, said helping the public at the premises allowed him to unwind after attending recorded lecture classes at night.

“Since the lectures have been pre-recorded, I can spend the day helping at the PPV and return to my hostel to revise at night. All the volunteers have undergone necessary training on how to handle any emergencies,” said the fourth year medical student.