TAWAU – The Malaysian Armed Forces today completely handed over the operation of the field hospital in Tawau to the Health Ministry, to be managed by the Tawau Hospital here.
Commander of the 13th Infantry Brigade brigadier-general Abdul Razak Hussain said the field hospital has successfully helped Tawau Hospital treat non-Covid-19 cases and since October 20, a total of 1,366 patients have been treated.
“The setting up of the Tawau field hospital also enabled the transfer of the armed forces surgical team to Kunak Hospital, enabling the successful treatment of 36 emergency, semi-elective and elective cases.
“The presence of the surgical team successfully reduced the waiting period for cancer patients in the east coast of Sabah to undergo curative and palliative surgery,” he said.
He was speaking after witnessing the handing over of duties by the field hospital’s commander Colonel Dr Shamsul Bahary Muhamad, to Tawau Hospital director Dr Norlimah Arsad here.
Meanwhile, Razak said the armed forces will always cooperate with the Health Ministry to ensure the welfare of patients is protected.
Meanwhile, Dr Norlimah said the 96-bed field hospital located at the Tawau Sports Complex will be renovated and used as a treatment ward for low-risk Covid-19 patients.
“As of yesterday, about 70% of non-Covid-19 patients received treatment at Tawau Hospital. Stages four and five Covid-19 patients are still being treated at Tawau Hospital, but they number fewer than 10,” she said.
Dr Norlimah also thanked the armed forces for helping activate the field hospital in Tawau last October, allowing medical personnel to be able to treat non-Covid-19 patients. – Bernama, January 6, 2021
