Sabah Covid-19 patient shares experience under treatment

 

A sudden loss of their sense of smell prompted Suzana Muhammad, 46, and Zainuddin Abdul Khalic, 48, a married couple from Papar, Sabah, to get tested for Covid-19.

After three days, the test results left them resigned to their fate of being positive for Covid-19, despite having no known history of close contact with another patient.

"That evening (Oct 17) we received the (positive) result but they (Papar District Health Office) did not inform whether we will be taken to a quarantine centre or hospital and they asked us to stay at home.

"So we quarantined ourselves at home," Suzana told Malaysiakini when contacted yesterday.

Suzana said her husband started to develop breathing difficulties later the same night, but they had to wait another day for an ambulance to arrive.

"My husband had difficulties breathing and I immediately called the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), but they couldn't do anything and said if things get worse, try and call 999.

"That night we were hesitant but the next morning (Oct 18) my husband couldn't take it anymore so I called 999. They said the ambulances were 'full' and told me to call the hospital Emergency Department.

"We tried to call the hospital and finally, after some time, we received a call from the Papar Hospital saying they will send an ambulance to pick up my husband," she said.

Suzana, who works as a teacher, added that Health Ministry officials also came on the same day to screen all six of her children living at home.

Of the six, three received positive test results on Oct 23.

"All six of my children were tested on Oct 18 and yesterday (Oct 23) I was informed three of them were positive.

"So now, because there are many of us, my children and I must go to the quarantine centre," she said.

Despite noting that the initial home quarantine instruction had compromised her children's health, Suzana said she understands the current situation, where hospitals are struggling with other Covid-19 patients in worse conditions.

Last week, the Sabah government's official Covid-19 spokesperson, Masidi Manjun, said the state had made preparations to allow Covid-19 patients to be treated at home.

He said the move was one of out several strategies undertaken by the state government to address the spike in Covid-19 patients.

"Therefore it would allow them not be sent to quarantine centres or hospitals, and it would work if they stay alone or in a place where they can self-isolate," Masidi said.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has so far insisted that the ministry is still considering the option of home treatment through "the right criteria".

Malaysiakini has contacted and is awaiting a response from the Papar District Health Office on the issue of ambulances being fully-utilised, to the point of shortage for those in need. - Mkini