PETALING JAYA: According to a report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the management of the Covid-19 outbreak, a total of 8.5 million Covid-19 vaccine doses worth RM505mil have expired as of June 1. The report revealed that the Health Ministry had procured vaccines based on its projections on the number of doses needed. However, due to decreased demand for vaccination, delays in receiving vaccines, and vaccines donated by foreign countries, there was an excess of vaccines.
ALSO READ: Low booster uptake among reasons for Covid-19 vaccine wastage, says Lukanisman
The report stated, “Although the expiration date was extended up to 18 months from the date the Covid-19 vaccine was produced, 8.5 million vaccine doses worth RM505mil have expired as of June 1, 2023.”
On another note, the PAC report also highlighted that there are 850,000 units of personal protective equipment (PPE) boot covers worth RM927,000 that are at risk of being wasted if they remain unused before the end of 2024.
The PAC conducted an investigation on expired vaccines, defective ventilators, and excess PPE under the Health Ministry.
ALSO READ: Shelf life of seven Covid-19 vaccines extended
As part of its recommendations, the PAC stated that the Health Ministry must ensure the utilization of the excess PPE before the expiry date. Furthermore, it emphasized the role of the government in fostering the production of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals by the local industry to reduce dependency on foreign countries and strengthen the public healthcare system.
