Page 8 - MALAYSIA HEALTH SECTOR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE FIELD

OPPORTUNITY DESPITE ADVERSITY

Opportunity Despite Adversity

As the current saying goes, “the COVID-19
pandemic is a great equaliser”. In facing the
As the current saying goes, “the COVID-19
challenges, a health system learns its
pandemic is a great equaliser”. In facing
strengths, yet simultaneously, existing
the challenges, a health system learns
limitations are also brought to the forefront.
its strengths, yet simultaneously, existing
Countries globally have had to address these,
limitations are also brought to the forefront.
Countries globally have had to address these,
and Malaysia is not exempted.
and Malaysia is not exempted.
With the third wave affecting greatly states
With the third wave affecting greatly states
in West Malaysia as well as East Malaysia,
in West Malaysia as well as East Malaysia,
the health sector has had to face many challenges in strengthening services.
the health sector has had to face many challenges in strengthening services.
Sabah has the most public hospitals among all states in Malaysia, with 24
Sabah has the most public hospitals among all states in Malaysia, with 24 MOH
hospitals and 1 Army hospital, followed by Sarawak with 23 MOH hospitals.
MOH hospitals and 1 Army hospital, followed by Sarawak with 23 MOH
Limitations surfaced throughout the response, such as existing inadequacies
hospitals. Limitations surfaced throughout the response, such as existing
with manpower shortage. Complaints on manpower shortage were equally
inadequacies with manpower shortage. Complaints on manpower shortage
similar from all states, yet this initiated the strategies of resource mobilisation,
were equally similar from all states, yet this initiated the strategies of
including human resource. Personnel were mobilised from one state to another,
resource mobilisation, including human resource. Personnel were mobilised
creating a chain of solutions, helping each other in daunting daily tasks.
from one state to another, creating a chain of solutions, helping each other
Another issue that is highlighted by COVID-19 for the health systems in Sabah,
in daunting daily tasks.
Sarawak and Labuan was logistics. Access to proper roads, clean water supply,
stable electrical supply, telecommunications and internet accessibility were
Another issue that is highlighted by COVID-19 for the health systems in
requirements for smooth implementation of activities. Collaborations with our
Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan was logistics. Access to proper roads, clean
many counterparts, such as the Army and Civil Defence, provided logistic aid
water supply, stable electrical supply, telecommunications and
during these trying times.
internet accessibility were requirements for smooth implementation of
Indeed adversity also leads to opportunities; hopefully more permanent
activities. Collaborations with our many counterparts, such as the Army and
solutions for personnel and logistics can be achieved soon. It is truly vital for
Civil Defence, provided logistic aid during these trying times.
us to work together as a nation, towards equity and equality in healthcare
delivery to carve a better future for all Malaysians.
Indeed adversity also leads to opportunities; hopefully more permanent
solutions for personnel and logistics can be achieved soon. It is truly vital for
us to work together as a nation, towards equity and equality in healthcare
delivery to carve a better future for all Malaysians.

YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang
Deputy Minister of Health II, Malaysia

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Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang
Deputy Minister of Health II, Malaysia

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