Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said medical staff would assess the suitability of the patient before prescribing the drug to pilgrims who have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Apart from this antiviral drug, preventive measures and infection control will be increased to contain the spread of the Covid-19 infection as well as other infectious diseases,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the government had approved a total of RM5 million to fund health services for Malaysian pilgrims this year. This includes the procurement of medicines and medical equipment as well as airfare and allowances for medical staff.

He said the ministry also encouraged prospective pilgrims, aged above 18, who are at clinical risk of getting severe illnesses to take the opportunity to get a second booster shot before leaving for the holy land.

He said the second booster shot remained voluntary.

Khairy said 255 medical staff will assist Tabung Haji in this year’s haj operations, half of whom have previous experience in dealing with pilgrims.

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