For many of us, a big part of Covid-19 is about statistics. How many cases and new clusters are reported today? What are the latest infectivity, fatality and recovery rates? How many people have been vaccinated so far?

When the news comes on, these numbers are reported by ministers and health officials. Together with doctors, nurses, other frontliners and volunteers, these are the faces and voices that guide the Covid-19 narrative in Malaysia.

But have you ever wondered who else might be playing a huge but not often publicised role during this deadly pandemic?

Enter Dato’ Dr Anas Alam Faizli, one of OUM’s most accomplished alumni and a vital cog in the machinery against Covid-19.

Dato’ Dr Anas is a two-time alumnus, having graduated from the Master of Project Management and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes. In fact, he is the pioneering graduate for the DBA programme and was also the graduate representative at his convocation in 2015.

As Chief Executive Officer of ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd (ProtectHealth), this 41-year-old has been on his toes ever since the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) was introduced early this year.

“ProtectHealth is a not-for-profit company established under the Ministry of Health. In general, we coordinate, administer, and manage initiatives related to financing healthcare services,” Dato’ Dr Anas explains.

“During the pandemic, ProtectHealth has been coordinating the participation of private medical practitioners for the second and third phases of PICK, which started in May. So far, we’ve helped set up more than 2,000 vaccination centres and through ProtectHealth, PICK has dispensed more than 15 million doses of the vaccine across the country.

“We’ve also begun involving healthcare-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These NGOs have been performing house-to-house vaccinations for the sickly and bed-ridden, elderly, Orang Asli, those in remote areas, as well as the homeless and migrants. As a result, I’m confident that we can deliver the vaccination target for all adults in Malaysia before the end of October.”

This history buff has not always been an expert in healthcare services and management. Previously, he was in the oil and gas industry, asset facility management, and hospital support services. His current position allows him to assume a role that is quite unique in the corporate world.

“There aren’t many who can take on a corporate position but also contribute to the national agenda and give back to society at the same time,” he shares proudly

Always passionate about socio-economic issues, Dato’ Dr Anas strongly believes that everyone deserves the best in education and healthcare. His only hope is for future generations to inherit a better Malaysia.

With Dato’ Dr Anas at the helm of ProtectHealth, Malaysia is certainly on track to realising crucial healthcare reforms in the country.