Pasir Mas, Feb 15– The Health Ministry will immediately add more beds to hospitals facing a shortage following the sudden high increase in dengue cases in the country.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the ministry’s officers were now checking to identify hospitals with the space for more beds for dengue patients.
He was met by reporters after opening the Malaysia Prostar Convention at Pasir Mas Hospital, here, yesterday.
He said if needed, the ministry would collaborate with the Malaysian Armed Forces to set up marquees to place patients at hospitals which had no more space for additional beds.
Dr Hilmi also advised the public to get rid of Aedes mosquito breeding grounds at their homes while the ministry was taking various measures to curb the dengue outbreak.
In another development, he said the visitors’ board at all hospitals and health clinics nationwide would assist in encouraging the public to go for health screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.
“The pioneer project will commence in Penang this month where the respective visitor boards would each day send 20 people from their area for health screening for NCDs at the hospitals, health clinics or 1Malaysia clinics.
He regretted that many people were still reluctant to go for health screening to enable early detection and treatment of diseases.
– Bernama
