TUMPAT: The Health Ministry has recorded 10,272 cases of waterborne diseases at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the cases recorded as of Friday included 6,730 acute respiratory infections, 3,021 skin infections, 298 acute gastroenteritis cases, conjunctivitis (190), chickenpox (20), as well as hand, foot and mouth disease (13).
He said all reported infectious disease cases at the PPS were sporadic and under control.
“The public must remain attentive to directives from authorities and take personal health precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, accidents and injuries.
“Individuals are also urged to seek immediate treatment from medical teams at the PPS or the nearest healthcare facility and avoid delaying treatment,” he told a press conference after visiting the PPS at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Dzulkefly also said 121 healthcare facilities had been affected by the floods, with 77 in Kelantan, 30 in Terengganu, nine in Kedah, two each in Negri Sembilan and Pahang, as well as one in Perak.
He said they comprised 56 rural clinics, 34 health clinics, 19 dental clinics, five district health offices, six hospitals and one at an international entry point.
“Currently, 87 healthcare facilities are operational, while 31 have moved their services to alternative facilities.
House call: Dzulkefly (centre) mingling with young flood victims at the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara PPS in Tumpat. — Bernama
“Only three facilities are non-operational as they are still being cleaned. The public can still access healthcare services at these facilities, including alternative facilities.
“The ministry will ensure appropriate preventive and control measures are in place to provide uninterrupted and efficient healthcare services,” he said.
On a separate matter, Dzulkefly said allegations of a doctor being assaulted by an assistant medical officer at a hospital in Perak are being taken seriously, with a thorough investigation underway.
He said it is an isolated case and does not tarnish the overall image of the healthcare system.
“The case is still under police investigation, and the Health Ministry will decide on appropriate action once the investigative process is completed.
“To ensure transparency, the ministry has also established an independent investigation panel led by former public services director-general Tan Sri Borhan Dollah,” he told a press conference after visiting the temporary relief centre at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Tumpat.
Dzulkefly also urged the public to refrain from speculating on the matter as this could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Yesterday, the Perak Health Department issued a letter of reprimand to a medical officer accused of assaulting a male doctor during an incident in June at a hospital in Perak.
Its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said the letter was sent to the officer on July 31 following the completion of an internal investigation.
Meanwhile, on complaints about the quality of nurses’ uniforms, Dzulkefly said the ministry is awaiting a detailed report before taking action.
“The ministry is still investigating the issue and needs time to review the findings before making any decision,” he said.
On Oct 23, the Malayan Nurses Union acknowledged receiving complaints about the fabric used for nurses’ uniforms, which some described as stiff and uncomfortable for work.
Union president Saaidah Athman confirmed the feedback but declined to comment on allegations that the fabric resembled shroud material.
