MIRI – Patients infected by Covid-19 but later discharged from hospitals can still succumb quickly to pneumonia, heart failure or organ damage.
Two medical specialists in Sarawak warned that being discharged from Covid-19 wards does not mean the patient is free from the coronavirus.
Miri MP Dr Teo Yu Keng, himself a doctor, told The Vibes today that there have been numerous cases of discharged patients who died not long after due to serious health complications.
“These deaths are not categorised as Covid-19 deaths but as deaths due to complications from the side effects of Covid-19 infections.
“If the number of these deaths arising from complications are taken into account, then the number of people in Sarawak and Malaysia who died due to Covid-19 is much higher than the official count now,” he said.
He cited the case of Tan Sri James Masing, who died of heart failure yesterday.
Masing, who was Sarawak deputy chief minister, developed cardiac complications after being discharged following Covid-19 infection treatment.
Teo, who is also Sarawak PKR vice-president, described what happened to Masing as sad and tragic, as he was given the best treatment possible.
“Covid-19 can cause serious organ damage,” he said. “Those discharged must be on alert at all times.”
Meanwhile, state Disaster Management Committee adviser Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian also took to Facebook today to touch on the need for self-monitoring by those discharged from Covid-19 wards.
“Knowing the danger signs through self-monitoring can save lives,” he said.
“There is a need for strict self-monitoring at home, even after discharge from hospital. Be extra alert, even up to Day 10 of discharge, as recovery from Covid-19 takes time.”
Stressing on “Long Covid”, Sim said it takes weeks to months to recuperate completely, as seen in cases of those who develop other problems after contracting Covid-19.
“There is a common misperception that once Covid-19 patients are discharged from hospital, they have recovered,” he said.
Sim advised the people to keep track of their oxygen levels and infection status using the self-test kits recommended by the Health Ministry. These kits are sold in licensed pharmacies. – The Vibes, November 1, 2021
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