MIRI – All government hospitals in Sarawak will get more oxygen cylinders in anticipation of an increase in demand following a surge in cases involving serious Covid-19 categories, said state Disaster Management Committee adviser Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“The Health Ministry has deployed an aircraft-load of these oxygen cylinders from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching already.
“These supplies will be forwarded to all hospitals throughout this state as soon as possible.
“Thank you very much to TUDM (air force) for transporting 1,006 oxygen cylinders to Sarawak as promised by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
“The supplies are to be distributed to all peripheral hospitals in Sarawak as part of preparations to increase these hospitals’ capacity in case of a surge in Delta cases,” Sim said in social media posts today.
Sim, who is also state housing and local government minister, said although Sarawak is planning for the endemic stage, it is also making preparations in terms of facilities needed to deal with a surge in serious infections.
“We must focus on building up the capacity of hospitals in case there are surges of Category 3, 4 (oxygen needs) and 5 (ventilator needs) infections, as well as those who need hospital beds.
“With Delta, we must prepare for the worst but work hard for the best.
“We are also looking at booster doses, potential advance purchase agreements for new monoclonal antibody drugs, ICU monitors, oxygen points, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, medical and nursing staff,” Sim said, while also urging the public to obey all SOPs, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and personal hygiene.
Sarawak is still seeing a high number of Covid-19 cases at almost 250,000 statewide and 794 deaths as of yesterday evening. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021
