GEORGE TOWN – An elderly man who contracted Covid-19 at an unlicensed nursing home here is believed to have committed suicide five days ago.
Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong confirmed the report, but did not release more information as it involves a government office.
According to one staff member, the victim was a high-risk Covid-19 patient but likely to survive.
“No one suspected (anything), unlike some other patients that we watch out for diligently. He was a high-risk patient but the likelihood of him surviving Covid-19 was quite possible.
“The fact that he could walk is a sign that he could be well on his way to recovery,” said the medical officer, who requested anonymity.
Since three nursing homes in George town were ordered to close last Saturday after 36 residents tested positive, one of the homes in Katz Street recorded four deaths, including the elderly man.
Earlier, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) had called on the government to offer amnesties and ensure residents in unlicensed old folks’ homes get vaccinated soon.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader expressed shock that out of the 1,300 unlicensed facilities, only about 100 of them have their staff and residents registered for vaccination, constituting a mere 8% of the total number.
“Such a situation is a disaster in the making. In dire times like these, the government should grant amnesty to unlicensed old folks’ homes for every employee and resident (to have) access to Covid-19 vaccination. The registered ones are licensed by various authorities, such as local governments,” he said in a statement today.
The Vibes had reported on May 18 that the plan to inoculate the elderly and vulnerable in Phase 2 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme has hit a hurdle, after unlicensed nursing homes were found not registering staff and dependents for vaccination.
Malaysia, Mohideen said, should glean the experiences of nursing homes ravaged by Covid-19 in the US resulting in the loss of lives of more than 28,000 of their residents and staff between late February 2020 and early May 2020 – a period of just about two months – and this was about 30% of the country’s Covid-19 deaths.
“The government should not let that happen in Malaysia because Covid-19 is going to rage through this vulnerable segment of the population.”
Mohideen said the government should identify the reasons why they had not been licensed and help them to get it done after the pandemic.
Those facing mental health issues can call Talian Kasih at 15999, or reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627-2929 or [email protected] for support. – The Vibes, May 21, 2021
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