MOH to deploy rapid unit to set up modular ICUs in states with Covid-19 spikes

PARLIAMENT | The Health Ministry is setting up a rapid deployment unit to prepare for possible Covid-19 spikes caused by new variants of the virus.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told Parliament that the unit would be able to set up modular ICUs and send oxygen supplies to any states in need.

"We will ensure that a situation where beds don't have enough oxygen doesn't repeat itself," he said during Minister Question Time today.

He said this when responding to Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna), who was concerned about the lack of hospital beds with oxygen supply capabilities in the state.

He said in Semporna, there were only five beds with pipe-in oxygen.

Khairy said he was aware of the problem after his recent visit to Sabah, and that the government has sent 480 oxygen cylinders, and 48 oxygen regulators to the state to help ease the situation.

Sabah had experienced a sharp increase in cases from mid-July before peaking at the end of August. Cases in the state are now trending down.

ICU utilisation in Sabah is currently at 76.5 percent.

Meanwhile, Khairy earlier also outlined several measures the Health Ministry is taking to deal with non-Covid-19 cases.

This includes the possibility of outsourcing elective surgeries that have been delayed to private hospitals.

He said he is discussing the matter with the treasury.

Other measures include extending work hours for specialist clinics and operating theatres at select hospitals.

The ministry is also offering more online services including virtual clinics which will be available at several hospitals and government clinics.

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