KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the federal government to release emergency funds to manage Sabah’s worsening Covid-19 situation.
Its president, Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam, in a statement today said the money is needed to secure personal protective equipment, medical equipment, ventilators and quarantine centres, and to pay the allowances of volunteers working around the clock.
It was reported on Wednesday that 71% of the 1,018 beds at nine Covid-19 hospitals in Sabah were occupied, and yesterday, 72% of the beds in the intensive care units of the state’s public hospitals.
“MMA is concerned that, looking at the number of daily cases reported, the situation may escalate to a critical point much quicker than anticipated. We need to prepare for that eventuality and act with greater urgency,” said Dr Subramaniam.
“We believe it is possible that more can be done to meet Sabah’s needs in fighting the pandemic.”
He called on assemblymen to work closely with the state Health Department and ensure their constituents abide by health and safety standard operating procedures.
“The biggest favour they can do for all frontliners based in Sabah is to get their constituents to lend their full cooperation and support by staying at home and following strictly the SOPs. This will significantly help break the chain of infections.
“Better coordination among all agencies is needed, too, so that the needs of the state are met on all fronts, and that all help from NGOs and the public is well coordinated to assist the state’s efforts.
“We also urge the state crisis command centre to engage private hospitals, clinics and doctors in the fight against the pandemic.”
He said MMA recently launched a Sabah Covid-19 fund, with all proceeds to be used towards getting medical equipment and supplies, and other coronavirus relief.
“Contributions can be made directly to the Malaysian Medical Association Foundation at the United Overseas Bank account number 1063057741 (recipient reference: Sabah Covid). All donations above RM250 are tax-exempted.
“To obtain the receipts, donors are required to email to [email protected] or WhatsApp the payment transaction slips with their full name, address and phone number to 012-2805-5009.” – Bernama, October 18, 2020
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