KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (July 4): In order to absorb the influx of Categories 3 to 5 Covid-19 patients into the public healthcare system, the Ministry of Health (MoH) will increase bed capacity and manpower, as well as outsource additional non-Covid-19 patients to private institutions. The move comes as the Klang Valley’s total bed capacity has surpassed 85%, necessitating an increase in hospital beds, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, as a result of an increase in the number of such patients being referred to public hospitals, particularly Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
Patients with Covid-19 are divided into categories based on the severity of their symptoms, with Category 1 representing those with no symptoms and Category 2 suggesting those with symptoms but no lung infection. Patients in Category 3 have a symptomatic lung infection, whereas those in Category 4 require oxygen supplementation, and those in Category 5 have various organ problems.
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Covid-19 patients in Categories 3 to 5 account for up to 71% of the overall cases managed by HKL, with the remaining cases falling into Categories 1 and 2.
“According to the most recent records, the emergency and trauma unit at HKL receives 60 to 70 Covid-19 patients per day, with an average of three patients in Categories 4 and 5 requiring breathing help.” Patients in Category 5 must be handled in the ICU (intensive care unit),” he added.
As a result, the Ministry of Health will expand the transfer of non-Covid-19 patients to private hospitals, allowing HKL to admit and treat additional Covid-19 patients.
In order to treat more Covid-19 patients, the Ministry of Health will increase ICU and non-ICU bed capacity, as well as necessary equipment and facilities such as respiratory aids, at MoH hospitals and university teaching hospitals (HPUs) such as the UKM Specialist Children’s Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Hospital Universiti Teknologi MARA.
Health personnel from several states will also be mobilized to assist MoH institutions and HPUs in treating Covid-19 patients who require extra manpower.
“Volunteers and final-year nursing students from Institut Latihan Kesihatan Malaysia who are completing practical training to assist in vaccination centers (PPVs) will be maximized.” In the meantime, experienced nurses who were previously allocated to PPVs would be reassigned to help MoH hospitals,” Adham explained.
Following the procurement of more vaccine supply and the opening of new PPVs across the country, the government expects to increase the average daily immunization rate from 250,000 to 300,000 doses.
Through these constructive efforts, the Ministry of Health wants to relieve pressure on its facilities, according to Adham./n
