The spread of the Covid-19 virus has unfortunately also led to an increase in the prominence of antivaccine propaganda. Some of the ridiculous theories include the fact that vaccines make you ‘magnetic’ and that they can turn humans into zombies.
Anti-vaxxers have also tried to find shortcuts to the system to ensure that they are able to live as if they were vaccinated. Although there are currently no clear punishments against those who are against the vaccine in Malaysia, other countries have begun to take action.
According to The Straits Times, Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently announced those who are unvaccinated by choice and end up getting infected with Covid-19, will have to foot their own medical bills from 8 December.
This is done in a move that Ong described as an “important signal” to those who are still holding off on getting their jabs.
During a press conference held by the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19 yesterday (8 November), Ong said that hospitals would much prefer not having to bill these patients. He urged everyone to get vaccinated if they are eligible.
As reported by The Straits Times, the change comes as those who are unvaccinated make up the majority of patients who require intensive inpatient care and disproportionately contribute to the strain on Singapore’s healthcare resources.
The Singaporean government currently foots the full Covid-19 medical bills of all Singaporeans, permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders, other than for those who tested positive or had onset of Covid-19 symptoms within 14 days of arrival in Singapore after overseas travel.
The new billing measure applies only to those who choose not to be vaccinated despite being medically eligible, and who are admitted to hospitals and Covid-19 treatment facilities on or after 8 December.
Those who are ineligible for vaccination, such as children under 12 years old, and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will continue to have their bills fully covered by the Government.
It was said that the Government’s current measure to fully cover Covid-19 medical bills for Singaporeans, PRs and long-term pass holders, was to avoid financial concerns adding to public uncertainty when Covid-19 was an emergent and unfamiliar disease.
This approach for Covid-19 bills will continue for the majority of the population who are vaccinated until the coronavirus situation is more stable, added the task force.
Meanwhile, individuals who are partially vaccinated will not be charged for Covid-19 bills until 31 December, to allow them time to complete their full regimen of jabs. After this deadline, they will have to foot their own medical bills if they catch Covid-19.
We can only wait and see if Malaysia decides to take up a similar approach.
Do you think Malaysia should follow suit? Let us know in the comments.
