PUTRAJAYA May 3,-The Ministry of Health (MOH) has assured the public that they need not be concerned about the current hot weather affecting several states. According to Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Minister of Health, the situation is being closely monitored by the ministry. He further stated that if there is a need to close schools based on the study conducted by Health Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan
The MOH will promptly announce the closures. Dzulkefly emphasized that the public should not worry, as any necessary actions, such as school closures, will be communicated immediately.
Dzulkefly made these remarks in response to inquiries about the possibility of closing schools due to the hot weather. This comes after Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, stated that the hot weather caused by the El Nino phenomenon is expected to persist until July.
Dzulkelfly’s Aims?
Dzulkefly’s reassurance aims to alleviate concerns and ensure that the public is aware that the MOH is actively monitoring the situation and will take appropriate measures if necessary.
The current standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding hot weather, which includes limiting outdoor activities in schools, remains unchanged. The Ministry of Education has instructed headmasters not to permit students to engage in outdoor activities if the temperature reaches 35°Celsius for three consecutive days.
This precautionary measure aims to ensure the well-being and safety of students.
Furthermore, Dr Dzulkefly has revealed that a plan to address the shortage of graduate medical officers (PPS) in district hospitals will soon be disclosed. An emergency meeting with the Ministry of Health’s top management has been scheduled for tonight to discuss this matter.
Dr Dzulkefly expects the implementation plan to be announced within the next day or two, indicating that immediate action will be taken to address this issue.
The government’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of students is evident through the enforcement of the existing SOP during hot weather conditions. Similarly, the announcement of an upcoming plan to tackle the shortage of medical officers demonstrates
Government healthcare challenges.
The government’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. These measures reflect the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of the public and providing effective solutions to critical issues.
On April 26, Dzulkefly issued instructions to the Ministry of Health management at both central and state levels to investigate the workload concerns at hospitals. Additionally, he called for a reassessment of the strategies implemented for the placement and operational procedures of PPS.
He highlighted the significant decrease in the number of medical graduates entering the workforce annually, contrasting the current figure of less than 3,000 with the previous 6,000 to 7,000. This decline has resulted in a reduction in the number of PPS available in hospitals.
During the event, Dzulkefly unveiled the strategic plan 2024-2028 for the Medical Devices Authority (MDA), signaling a shift towards aligning the agency with international regulatory standards. The plan underscores MDA’s commitment to upholding quality control, ensuring safety, and enhancing industry regulations. — Bernama.
