Doctors give a loud ‘no’ to 3-day observation rule

 

While ordinary people have to be quarantined for 10 days, ministers need only a three-day observation period. Doctors are calling that illogical and ridiculous. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Many doctors groups have slammed Putrajaya’s decision to gazette a new rule exempting Cabinet ministers returning from official visits from the mandatory 10-day quarantine, describing it as ridiculous and illogical.

The rule is contained in a new ministerial order which will be in force from today until Aug 1, requiring ministers to only undergo observation for three days or undergo surveillance until they can be discharged without danger to the public.

The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) said there was no scientific evidence behind the ruling, adding that if it could be applied to ministers, it should be applied to the general public as well.

FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow said the move was tantamount to “formalising” double standards, adding that it even contradicted travel bubble concepts.

“The bubble concept is applicable on a country-to-country basis. But how can a bubble be created in the middle of a country with a high Covid-19 incidence rate? It is totally illogical.

“The pathogenicity of the virus and the incubation period of the disease is the same for all, including ministers and their entourage,” he said.

Malaysian Medics International (MMI) said the order was shocking and worrying as ministers would be putting themselves and those around them at risk, especially since there has been a surge in Covid-19 deaths involving young, healthy and asymptomatic patients.

MMI chairman Dr Vikkineshwaran Siva Subramaniam also said there was evidence that showed Covid-19 transmissions by asymptomatic patients, emphasising that travel restrictions were meant to protect public health.

“Given the nature of their jobs, politicians are a high-risk group. Just last month, we saw a surge in Covid positive cases among ministers and politicians.

“This ruling is is akin to playing with a loaded gun,” he told FMT.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said it opposed the order and urged it to be revoked immediately, saying it reeked of double standards.

He told Putrajaya that if it wanted the people to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), it should lead by example and adhere to the same regulations, including the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

“Careful consideration must be exercised with any new order issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) and any decisions in managing the pandemic must be based on science and evidence,” he told FMT.

The Malaysian Health Coalition also expressed disappointment at the ruling and said the justification provided did not explain the rationale or science behind the decision.

It urged Putrajaya to revoke the order, saying it was institutionalising double standards and would undermine efforts to curb the pandemic.

“Double standards that are not based on science or evidence erode public trust in the SOPs. They will worsen the trust deficit between the people and politicians. Health professionals cannot fight Covid-19 without public trust and confidence in the health system.” - FMT