Hot spell: Situation still under control, says Dr Zaliha

Dr Zaliha Mustafa at the 'Town Hall' Session of the East Coast Zone Level Health White Paper at the Al Wathiqu Billah City Administration Complex on Tuesday (May 16).

KUALA NERUS: Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa on Tuesday (May 16) reiterated that the status of the national health system is still under control amid the current hot spell.

As of Monday (May 15), she said the Health Ministry recorded 15 cumulative cases related to the hot weather, with the death toll remaining at one.

"The 15 cases involved four cases of heatstroke, five cases of heat exhaustion, and six cases of heat cramps. All of them have been given medical treatment and have fully recovered.

"So far, I can say that the situation is still under control and need no drastic action, but the Health Ministry will always be prepared in terms of treatment.

"In fact, all state hospital directors have been asked to always be on alert," she said after attending the Health White Paper (HWP) town hall session for the eastern zone here on Tuesday.

Dr Zaliha said this in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on Tuesday that the government was prepared to declare an emergency if the current hot spell in the country turned extreme.

Meanwhile, she said she was optimistic that the HWP, which would be tabled for the first ready at Parliament next month would receive the full support of the members of Parliament.

"Yesterday (May 15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his full support for the HWP and so will all members of Parliament, InsyaAllah. I’m sure everyone wants the best health system," she said. - Bernama