KUALA LUMPUR: The COVID-19 Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) has been reactivated today to help ease the burden of overcrowded hospitals with cases involving patients with mild symptoms.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said currently, there is a high number of hospital admissions involving COVID-19 patients who do not require treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and intensive care.
"For example, Kuala Lumpur Hospital has improved services for non-COVID-19 cases. So we do not want all (COVID-19 cases) to refer to HKL and causing it to become overcrowded.
"Secondly, we see patients who came to the hospital to seek treatment for other diseases but tested positive for coronavirus after undergoing screenings," he said.
Khairy was speaking to reporters after opening and visiting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) complex and medical gas supply upgrading project at the National Leprosy Control Centre in Sungai Buloh Hospital near here today.
He said the isolation of patients at MAEPS would ensure hospitals were not overcrowded and had the flexibility to manage beds.
Meanwhile, in a tweet today, Khairy said the reopening of MAEPS was a pre-emptive move given rising coronavirus cases.
According to him, it was necessary as high-risk COVID-19 patients under categories one and two were also being admitted to hospitals as pre-emptive measures.
"This decision was taken as the number of cases were high, and if necessary, such high-risk patients can be treated through early intervention. Hospitals could focus on patients in categories three to five and also not disrupt the treatment of non-COVID-19 cases," he added.
Meanwhile, he said only 10 to 15 per cent of former COVID-19 patients had 'long COVID' complications with most of them being at risk.
"We have a protocol for treating long COVID, especially through our rehabilitative care. I have asked that we further improve rehabilitation treatment for prolonged COVID-19. So we are paying close attention to long COVID cases, especially those involving high-risk categories," he added.
Also, Khairy said, close contacts with COVID-19 patients should only use the COVID-19 Antigen rapid test kit (RTK), as the Real-Time Reverse transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) screening test will detect the virus, although the infectivity rate is very low.
"That is why we do not encourage PCR to be used in all situations. RTK is sufficient as it can detect those with high viral load. That is why we are confident with this new protocol boosted close contact individuals are only required to do RTK," he explained.
Yesterday, he announced individuals above the age of 18, who have taken their COVID-19 booster vaccination, would no longer be required to undergo a Home Surveillance Order (HSO) if they don't show any symptoms of the disease on the first day, effective March 1.
In a separate issue, Khairy said he has asked the Health Ministry (MOH) to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the issue of shortage of nurses in hospitals.
"Yesterday, I had a dialogue with the unions, workers, and staff of the implementation group at the ministry. I want to get to the bottom of this and maybe after the issue of contract doctors is resolved, I want to look at the implementing group," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Feb 25 2022
Khairy said currently, there is a high number of hospital admissions involving COVID-19 patients who do not require treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and intensive care. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.