Establishing new field hospitals subject to needs, says armed forces

 

ATM chief General Affendi Buang says the Kapit field hospital now had 40 beds, which could be expanded up to 100 beds if the situation warrants it. (Facebook pic)

KAPIT: The establishment of field hospitals at other locations is subject to current needs and capacity provided by the health service division of the armed forces.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will be stepping up cooperation with the health ministry in the fight against the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, said ATM chief General Affendi Buang.

It will encompass current logistic facilities in transporting medical aid and health equipment using ATM assets according to needs, especially in air transport involving the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

“This is ATM’s commitment in its secondary duties to ensure the well-being of the people is always given priority,” he said during a short visit to ATM’s field hospital in Kapit at Dewan Masyarakat Melayu here today.

On the field hospital in Kapit, which was set up on May 6, he said the hospital has 40 beds which could be expanded up to 100 beds if the situation warrants it.

The hospital set up by the First Medical Battalion, based in Muara Tuang Camp, Kota Samarahan, with the cooperation of the Sarawak Health Department and Kapit Hospital, is complete with patient ward, X-ray, pharmacy and an emergency room.

With the additional facilities, Kapit Hospital could focus on Covid-19 treatment with sufficient beds for pandemic patients and cases which are more serious.

Since it began operation on May 10, the field hospital had received seven patients and one was allowed to return home.

“At the moment, surgery is not carried out in the field hospital but its capability could be upgraded with an operation theatre and an intensive care unit if the need arises,” he said. - FMT