GEORGE TOWN – The introduction of a new batch of doctors to relieve the present doctors and frontliners combating the pandemic could help prevent daily Covid-19 numbers from reaching a projected 20,000 cases in the next two weeks.
Senior cardiologist Dr Ong Hean Teik said that by absorbing graduate doctors currently awaiting housemanship into the national health service, chances of overcoming the increased risk of daily infections would almost be a certainty.
“At present our health system is over-stressed. By the simple stroke of a pen, the doctors and nurses in the healthcare system, all of whom have been overworked for 18 months, can finally take a necessary break.
“Delaying relieving them will not bring any good, but will further strain the healthcare system,” he said.
Dr Ong’s response comes after Universiti Sains Malaysia’s virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das warned that daily Covid-19 infections could double up to nearly 20,000 a day within the next two weeks, given the rising number of cases caused by the more infectious Delta variant.
In a news report today, she said that based on reported data, the Delta variant was close to overtaking other variants.
Based on Health Ministry data, there were 195 Beta variant cases and 67 Delta cases as of Monday.
At least 48 Beta cases and 27 Delta cases were recorded yesterday.
Dr Kumitaa had also said the number of deaths was also likely to hit 200 a day, as the health system was pushed to its brink.
“Every year, more than 5,000 medical doctors and nurses graduate from universities and colleges to enter the job market, and they are not immediately absorbed into the government service due to bureaucratic reasons,” said Dr Ong.
“Why does the government not allow them to relieve the present frontliners in stages? At least, the current ones will have some space to breathe.
“Projects costing millions of ringgits will not help overcome the current situation, because it takes time to get projects implemented.
“But the proposal to place new housemen into the system will eventually save the nation and ensure herd immunity, which is the answer to overcome the problem.” – The Vibes, July 14, 2021
