Overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases, MAEPS vows to improve
The Selangor Health Department has admitted to its shortcomings in managing the Covid-19 quarantine and low-risk treatment centre (PKRC) at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
It said it was struggling to cope with having received an overwhelming number of Covid-19 cases, that were far above its capacity, at the centre...
The Selangor Health Department has admitted to its shortcomings in managing the Covid-19 quarantine and low-risk treatment centre (PKRC) at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
It said it was struggling to cope with having received an overwhelming number of Covid-19 cases, that were far above its capacity, at the centre.
Free Malaysia Today reported yesterday that patients at MAEPS had to wait up to six hours to be given a bed, struggle with freezing air conditioning and wait hours for food and amenities. They also highlighted a lack of physical distancing inside the facility.
One former patient told Malaysiakini that the facility was badly run, causing much confusion and anxiety for those there.
In a statement last night, the department explained that the congestion was due to an overflow of elderly and child patients from the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Centre PKRC.
There were now 752 beds at MAEPS for Category 3, for Covid-19 patients with symptoms and lung infection, which make up for more than 12 times its original 60-bed capacity.
The Selangor Health Department explained that the long waits were due to health checks done during the admission stage. Time was also needed to ensure no mistakes during registration.
“The spike has definitely been challenging for our officials to ensure they can deliver the best possible service to our patients. We are currently seeing an average of 600 (new) patients per day, we once even admitted 1,800 patients in a day.
“Patients who are admitted to the MAEPS PKRC need to undergo health assessments to ensure the quality of healthcare provided to them is based on what category they are in and what symptoms they have. Especially for patients in Category 3.
“Aside from being asked about their health history, patients need to undergo physical check-ups and other health checks such as ultrasounds, lung X-rays and blood tests. These processes will take time, especially when it involves a large number of patients at one time,” the department said.
10,000 beds soon
The present capacity at MAEPS is 5,869 beds, of which 3,454 are filled.
To cope with the spike, the department said it will be adding more beds.
It will open yet another new hall. Beds for Category 3 patients will be increased to 1,000.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba told The Star that the total number of beds at this PKRC would be increased to 10,000.
Cold air, food and hygiene
The department also said it will take steps to address issues with the air conditioning, cleanliness, shortage of bed coverings and food distribution.
“We have tried to resolve these issues by setting hall temperatures at between 22 and 24 degrees. This will be continuously monitored. With this, we hope it will prevent (patients) from using a lot of blankets and bedsheets,” it said.
Toilets at the facility were cleaned four times a day, it added.
As for food, the Health Department explained that it was difficult to order enough food when patient numbers were growing and fluctuating every day.
It also needed to prioritise the elderly and children who need therapeutic diets before other patients.
“MAEPS PKRC is always trying out new ways. For example by preparing free food from a food truck until 10pm to accommodate the new patients. We need some time to prepare this.
“After 10pm, we accommodate the new admissions by preparing dry rations, such as Gardenia bread, kaya, mineral water and boxed drinks for each patient,” it said.
As for remarks that there was little physical distancing inside MAEPS, the department dismissed a need for it.
“For your information, physical distancing inside the quarantine centre is not a problem because all patients involved are Covid-19 positive,” it said.
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