Covid-19 situation under control, says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, the Health Ministry says the situation is still under control.

Its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the subvariants currently present were from the Omicron strain, specifically XBB1.5, 1.16 and 1.9.

“Although these subvariants are more infectious, the symptoms are not as severe.

“The Covid-19 situation is still under control, and there is no need to panic,” she told a press conference after attending a Health White Paper Town Hall session here on Tuesday (April 18).

She advised symptomatic patients to mask up, especially at Hari Raya celebrations and gatherings.

“Symptomatic individuals are also encouraged to test themselves,” she added.

On the much-anticipated Health White Paper, the minister said arrangements were also being made to table it in Parliament in June.

“I have brought the matter to the Cabinet, and it has also been mentioned in parliamentary replies.

“We have contacted Parliament officials to set a date for tabling it,” she said.

The Health White Paper is a document that highlights challenges faced by the country's health system and proposes solutions to improve its quality, sustainability and resilience as a phased reform over a 15-year period.

During the town hall session, Dr Zaliha said reforms outlined in the white paper were crucial to ensure that the national healthcare system is sustainable.

She said they would also ensure the system was durable and responsive to public health needs not only for the present but also in the future.

“Town hall sessions are essential in sharing some of the plans... (as well as) hearing the people’s input.

“We want it to get full support before it is presented in Parliament,” she said.

Under the white paper, there are four pillars for reforming the healthcare system: transforming healthcare service delivery; advancing health promotion and disease prevention; ensuring sustainable and equitable health financing; and strengthening the health system’s foundations and governance.