KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — The government has agreed to compensate individuals who suffer severe adverse effects after being vaccinated for Covid-19.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the compensation is capped at RM500,000 per person, which will be paid out by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

He added that the government has also approved an initial fund of RM10 million for this purpose 

"The special aid, named Special Financial Aid for Severe Adverse Covid-19 Effects, is a collective effort by the government to assist those who suffer from adverse effects after taking the Covid-19 vaccine,” Dr Adham said in a joint press conference with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. 

According to Dr Adham, the compensation will be offered in two categories.

"Firstly, those who experience serious side effects and need long-term medical treatment will be compensated with RM50,000.

"Secondly, those who face permanent disabilities or death will receive a compensation of (not more than) RM500,000,” he said.

Explaining further, Dr Adham said the government has set up three committees to observe and assess adverse reactions and safety issues related to Covid-19 vaccines.

"The three committees are: the Pharmacovigilance Committee — to observe and assess the adverse reaction following immunisation; the Technical Committee — this committee will decide legitimacy of aid applicant; and the third is the main committee that will give the final approval for the special aid,” he said.

When asked about individuals who experienced adverse reactions, and how the Health Ministry attended to these cases, Dr Adham said the reactions were assessed on the spot.

"All of them have undergone treatment and been discharged and are waiting for their second dose.”

He also said that for those who are receiving their second vaccine dose, this will be done at the hospital, instead of public health clinics or approved centres, for better observation.