KOTA KINABALU – A surgeon has raised the alarm over the severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Ranau, which was declared a Covid-19 red zone last night.
Dr Chong Eng Leong told reporters at the Likas Women and Children’s Hospital here today that he has received a distress call on the matter from the district hospital.
“Yesterday, I got a phone call from Ranau. As we know, Ranau is now a red zone. A healthcare worker told me that they are left with only one week’s supply of PPE, and only have three protective suits.”
More than two-thirds of Malaysia’s coronavirus cases are in Sabah, which yesterday recorded 489 infections. Of these, nine are in Ranau, taking the area’s total to 49.
Dr Chong said the situation is both disappointing and embarrassing as Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam is assemblyman for Kundasang, which falls under the Ranau federal constituency.
He also took a swipe at state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who is assemblyman for Karanaan, also under Ranau.
“If they are too busy, they can approach the NGOs. The NGOs will gladly help distribute the much-needed items.”
State health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi did not give an immediate response when queried by The Vibes.
Masidi, meanwhile, rubbished Dr Chong’s claim, saying PPE supplies are being flown into Sabah by the air force in batches.
“In any case, the Health Department can move their stocks throughout Sabah to where supplies are running low. I have confirmed this with the health director.” – The Vibes, October 17, 2020
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