The Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall says there is no substance to the claims made by anti-vaccination campaigner Dr Ate Moala against Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Dr Moala used an interview with the Tongan Facebook media group Radio Television Tonga International to attack the Prime Minister, accusing him of covering up “the truth” about the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr Moala claimed the Labour government and the Medical Council of New Zealand had forced doctors to lie to the public that the vaccines had no side effects.
Moala claimed that at one stage the government through the Ministry of Health and the Medical Council of New Zealand wrote and prohibited (“tapu”) all doctors from advising the public about the side effects of the vaccines.
She alleged doctors were told to advise the public that the Covid-19 vaccines were safe and they would work just like Panadol tablets.
Moala has links to anti-mandate groups the Freedom and Rights Coalition and New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science (NZDSOS).
She previously protested in anti-government marches against Covid-19 lockdowns organised by the Freedom & Rights Coalition’, which was founded by self-styled Bishop Brian Tamaki.
In a statement to Kaniva News, the Minister of Health denied Dr Moala’s claims.
“At absolutely no time did the Government, or any of its health agencies, force or encourage health practitioners to lie to the public about vaccination,” Dr Verrall said.
“The vaccination programme has helped saved many lives and helped protect our health system.
“During the global pandemic, the Government, health agencies, and public health providers took a number of steps to help keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe.
“We thank all New Zealanders, including the Tongan community, for their commitment over the course of the pandemic.”
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