KUALA LUMPUR – The usage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds at government hospitals nationwide by Covid-19 patients has increased from 96% on May 24 to 104% on Sunday, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Dr Noor Hisham in a statement today said the usage of more than 100% of ICU beds is worrying as it means that not all patients in need of critical care could be placed in ICUs.
“However, in the past two weeks, the usage of general ward beds by Covid-19 patients shows a slight decrease, from 99% to 89%.
“The bed occupancy rate at Covid-19 quarantine and low-risk treatment centres is at 54%.”
He said hospitals nationwide are facing an increase in Categories 4 and 5 patients, who require oxygen and breathing assistance, especially among vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens and those with comorbidities.
These patients need a longer time to recover due to serious health complications caused by Covid-19, he added.
National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre statistics revealed that the average treatment period for Category 4 patients is between 14 and 16 days, while for Category 5, it is between 19 and 26 days.
“The spread of the virus and hospitals’ capacity (especially in ICUs) to handle Covid-19 cases are at critical levels and can continue to increase if we become complacent even for a day.
“This situation cannot be taken lightly, especially if there are parties spreading inaccurate interpretations of the current situation.” – Bernama, June 8, 2021
