Influenza spike: More beds being prepared if need arises, says KJ

IPOH: More hospital beds will be prepared for influenza patients if the need arises, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said the ministry has been preparing several items, including beds and medicines, due to the spike in influenza cases.

“Like during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have prepared beds, so if the influenza cases continue to spike, we can supply more beds,” said Khairy.

Apart from preparing the beds, we will also ensure that there is sufficient stock of medicine in the market so the public need not be admitted into hospitals and can recover at home,” he told reporters after launching the National Health Agenda roadshow at Meru Raya here on Saturday (July 16).

On July 15, Khairy said the ministry has agreed to release the federal medical stockpile to private hospitals and clinics facing shortages such as flu, fever and children's medication.

He also advised the public not to overbuy medicine.

“Since there is a surge in influenza cases reported, we hope the people will only purchase what is needed and not hoard them,” he said.

Separately, Khairy said the ministry is focusing on getting at least 1.5 million Malaysians aged 40 and above to get health screening.

“We believe that’s the figure of those who have not done any health screening before.

“They will go for screening from July to December,” he said, adding that more than 50% of the adult population in the country has never done any health screening.

“The screening is important to prevent and cure any health problems.

“We realised that many might not have the accessibility to go for health screening, so we will conduct more outreach programmes where they can do a basic health screening,” he added.