CAC upgrades to reach more Covid-19 patients, says Health DG
The Health Ministry is in the process of upgrading services offered at its Covid-19 Clinical Assessment Centres (CAC) as part of overall preparations towards entering the endemic phase.
Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the gradual upgrades involve five initiatives that will allow the CAC to reach more Covid-19 patients and those suspected of carrying the coronavirus.
"It is hoped that with these upgrades, the home monitoring service for...
The Health Ministry is in the process of upgrading services offered at its Covid-19 Clinical Assessment Centre (CAC) as part of overall preparations towards entering the endemic phase.
Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the gradual upgrades involve five initiatives that will allow the CAC to reach more Covid-19 patients and those suspected of carrying the coronavirus.
"It is hoped that with these upgrades, the home monitoring service for Covid-19 patients will be improved and as a result reduce the death rate, particularly brought-in-dead cases," he said in a statement today.
The top of the list involves upgrading existing facilities at government clinics authorised to confirm the status of a suspected Covid-19 patient who can either walk into the facilities or set prior appointments.
"In order to reduce crowding and waiting time, while also reducing the risks of cross infections, people are encouraged to set an appointment," Noor Hisham added.
Roping in GPs
He said the government will also encourage the involvement of private general practitioners (GPs) for more effective monitoring of Covid-19 patients under home quarantine.
As of Oct 9, Noor Hisham said CACs run by GPs have monitored 19,732 Covid-19 cases.
"Now there are 1,149 CAC GPs authorised, of which 81 are active in offering its services to monitor individuals under home quarantine," he added.
At the same time, Noor Hisham said the ministry has prepared a guideline for private parties authorised to operate CACs in other non-medical facilities such as hotels or community halls.
This would be operated as an alternative to home quarantine for Covid-19 patients in Category 1 and Category 2.
He said all operators must obtain accreditation from a private clinic registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, as well as authorisation under Section 3 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
Virtual CAC expanded
The ministry has also expanded its virtual CAC service nationwide, allowing asymptomatic Covid-19 patients and those not in high-risk groups to remain at home.
Through strategic partnerships with private agencies, the health DG said the ministry has improved its robocall service to patients under home monitoring who reported warning signs, allowing faster access to the nearest health facility if needed.
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