GEORGE TOWN – Health authorities must redouble Covid-19 testing and close-contact screening efforts given the rate of virus mutations with each new case, said the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Coupled with the high transmission rate, the coronavirus, spreading with ease via asymptomatic patients, becomes deadlier.
MMA president Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy told The Vibes that there is an urgent need to revamp the way the authorities are battling the disease, in tandem with its rapid mutations and new variants.
“We should increase the number and speed of testing. We should try to increase the number of PCR testing.
“To detect hotspots quickly, we need to use the RTK Ag kits. Go out into the community and test thousands at each location.
“Although the tests are less sensitive than PCR, the ability to mass test makes up for this. Once you screen thousands with near real-time results, you can pick up more cases, and isolate them and their contacts to break the transmission chain.”
PCR testing is considered the gold standard in SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Dr Subramaniam said it is essential to quickly identify mutations and variants by engaging the Institute of Medical Research to sequence more samples or set up more test laboratories.
The Health Ministry should get more private general practitioners involved, he said, as mass testing requires trained personnel.
“There is a lot of experience and talent being ignored. Similarly, while the ministry has experts, their point of view is limited by their experience – they are government servants and rarely encouraged to challenge authority.”
Private GPs should be recruited, and technology allowing for remote monitoring and the appropriate on-the-ground response utilised, he said.
“It is also important that the medical devices used are of high standard and approved by regulatory bodies, and not sold by the dozens online, which is tantamount to having care provided by unqualified staff.
“We cannot jeopardise the public’s health, and private doctors can help if they are provided the right tools and information.
“The situation will get worse over the next few weeks, and we must start to incorporate technology and call centres in this national effort now.
“Meanwhile, politicians need to walk the talk. They must be seen in public wearing masks and conducting hand-hygiene measures habitually. It is infuriating to see politicians holding packed gatherings without proper masks or distancing, and getting away with it.”
He expressed support for the call made by Klang MP Charles Santiago regarding the living conditions of foreign workers.
“It must be made a high priority, or Covid-19 cases will continue to surge every now and then.
“They are currently being mass tested, but their movements are not restricted. There must be urgency in this area as it causes much anxiety.” – The Vibes, February 4, 2021
