Page 9 - MALAYSIA HEALTH SECTOR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC: HOPE DESPITE ADVERSITY

ACTION GETS RESULT

The number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia has
continued to rise, causing alarm. Managing the
challenges of the third wave requires a balance
where the emphasis was given on the management
of healthcare facilities, healthcare fiscal, human
resource mobilisation, protecting healthcare
workers and achieving national vaccination targets.

Healthcare facilities were maximized in treating
COVID-19 patients by increasing bed capacities
in the designated COVID-19 wards and Intensive
Care Units (ICUs) not only at public hospitals
but university and teaching hospitals as well. In
addition, ventilators support, medical and personal
protective equipment, and medication supplies
were amplified. Healthcare financial aid packages
were allocated to enhance public health capacity to
effectively battle the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring that the nation’s healthcare
system remains intact. Non-COVID-19 patients were outsourced to private facilities
to reduce the pressure and burden on MOH hospitals and healthcare workers while
shortening the waiting time for them to receive treatment.

The rise of cases has also led to limitations in human resources in handling the pandemic,
particularly, at screening centres and hospitals. Management services have persistently
chased improvements to enhance processes to facilitate the implementation of
strategies. Huge appreciation goes to all personnel who were involved directly and
indirectly in the activity to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We will not give up on our
efforts towards winning this fight.

Dato’ Mohd Shafiq bin Abdullah
Secretary-General
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Former Deputy Secretary-General (Management)

IV Hope Despite Adversity