GEORGE TOWN – Managing the Covid-19 pandemic should not only be about treatment and vaccination, but also improving immunity, helping vulnerable groups, and offering innovative preventive measures.
Former Batu Uban assemblyman Dr T. Jayabalan, who is a medical doctor, said while Malaysia has an impressive immunisation rate, it is unable to shake off infections, with the virus death toll nearing 25,000.
He suggested that Penang health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin needs assistance in executing the Herculean task at hand, as the efforts undertaken presently are inadequate.
“If you ask me, there is huge room for improvement in Penang. We are struggling, and it is evident in the growing number of infections, worsened by the high death count and brought-in-dead cases. Dr Norlela needs to improve,” he told The Vibes.
He urged her to reach out to other specialists and engage with PKR leaders to secure assistance, saying the health portfolio – apart from that on the economy – is a major responsibility.
The authorities need to address vulnerable communities, such as B40 families and migrant workers, who cannot afford to be physically distanced at the workplace or in their living quarters, said Dr Jayabalan.
He suggested that contact tracing be upgraded and drones used to constantly monitor coronavirus hotspots.
Attention should be given to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle by providing incentives for people to stay fit and eat right, as well as to entice street food vendors to reduce their use of sugar, he said.
Dr Jayabalan’s views were echoed by Kebun Bunga rep Jason Ong Khan Lee, who said China managed to contain Covid-19 even before its vaccination roll-out, owing to citizens’ high discipline in adhering to the standard operating procedures, including physical distancing.
“The key is discipline, and we need a huge dose of it besides vaccination.”
Meanwhile, the 100-bed field hospital at Penang Hospital here is expected to receive patients in Categories 4 and 5 today.
Armed forces commanding officer 2nd Medical Battalion Lt Col Dr Mohd Zamri Derahman said the facility is ready to accept cases.
It is the first time since Independence that a field hospital has been set up at Penang Hospital, which became overwhelmed with Covid-19 cases early this month. – The Vibes, September 24, 2021
