The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) said some of its members would try to get Paxlovid from nearby public hospitals if the need arises.

Its president Dr Kuljit Singh said the drug is currently unavailable at private hospitals.

“We are still in the process of working out the details and agreement with the government.

“Though the approval to use Paxlovid had been given about two weeks ago, the circular and guidelines were only released last week,” he said in a statement.

Earlier today, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the oral antiviral drug was now available at private health facilities.

Khairy said the provision of Paxlovid to patients in private health facilities is free. However, patients are still subject to consultation fees and other related charges determined by the private health facility.

Private clinics or hospitals that are interested to get Paxlovid must obtain the supply from identified health facilities that store the medicines, he added.

The Pfizer-produced drug has been used by all government hospitals to treat Category 2 and 3 patients with mild to average symptoms since April 15.

Pfizer has reported that Paxlovid is effective in treating Covid-19 in the elderly and high-risk group, but appears to be less effective for average-risk adults.