MOH provides break down on when various PPEs could run out

CORONAVIRUS | The Health Ministry today provided a break down of when various personal protective equipment (PPE) could run out but stressed that efforts are being made to procure more before that happens.

According to Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the current stock of various PPE items can last between 19 to 78 days.

They are listed as follows:

• Footwear / boot cover - 78 days
• Protective head cover - 52 days
• Three-ply mask - 47 days
• N95 mask - 37 days
• Disposable face shield - 25 days
• Disposable fluid-resistant apron - 23 days
• Jumpsuit / protective overalls - 19 days

"The issue of PPE shortages is a global issue where almost all countries are impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"At Health Ministry facilities, it was also found that the usage of PPE had spiked following the pandemic," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today. 

Noor Hisham said to ensure sustainable stock, the Health Ministry is procuring PPEs by bulk at both the federal and state levels.

"Contributions of PPEs from the private sector, NGOs and philanthropists are also welcomed and we convey a million thanks," he said.

He said the health ministry is trying to ensure equal distribution of PPEs across various states and has set up an online reporting system.

Health Ministry facilities at various levels will report their stock to the centralised system so that new stock can immediately be mobilised if necessary, he said. 

An officer in every state has also been assigned as the go-to person if there are any PPE shortages, Noor Hisham added. 

Frontliners advised to follow PPE guideline to avoid wastage

According to Noor Hisham, the ministry has a guideline on the usage of PPE for frontliners, and urge the group to refer to it to avoid wastage.

Only those who need to wear full PPE should do so, he stressed.

"There are those who do not need to wear full PPE, so we have to rationalise according to our guideline.

"We hope that the frontliners can refer to it. If not, we would see those who do not need full PPE wearing them unnecessarily. So we have to see where we need full PPE and where we do not need to use it."

Noor Hisham said this when answering a question on the new PPE guideline, and his comment on whether it was issued to ensure enough PPE supply for frontliners.

While on the topic of PPE, the top Health Ministry officer also suggested that the local production industry should venture into manufacturing more of the items so that Malaysia can have a sustainable supply.

He gave the example of the glove industry, where Malaysia is now the leading producer of surgical gloves, making about 63 percent of the total global production.

"We must be the one to take the lead, and every industry can take a look into it. For example, look into the (production of face masks), we have 42 local companies that are producing three-ply masks.

"Now we have to look into producing N95 masks for our own consumption, and also to supply to the region and at a global level," he said.

Asked about the increasing number of people and organisations volunteering to make and donate PPE for frontliners, Noor Hisham said those interested can contact the ministry for guidance.

He said the ministry can guide them on what to do, which material they should use for it, and such. - Mkini