Why isn't the Health DG coming live daily?

 

Everyone knows a few things based on simple logic.

1. The Covid-19 situation now is alarming and out of control compared to any other time since the pandemic was first found in the country.

2. The current MCO is much more relaxed compared to the earlier MCO in spite of we having an emergency rule now.

This is a serious contradiction which is mind-disturbing. My biggest concern is, why isn’t the Health director-general or even the Health Ministry giving us daily updates on national TV?

I understand that all the data and numbers can be given without live interaction with the media, but what about real-time questions from the press?

The DG announced in mid-June last year that briefing will not be made daily. If the current concern that it is hard to have a press conference because of strict SOPs, then this can be resolved very easily by a virtual Zoom daily press conference which is a new norm accepted by the media as well.

On normal circumstances, the media would have collected all the concerns of the public and the DG will take time to answer these queries and doubts. This check and balance are missing lately.

During a health emergency, what else can be more important for the government of the day than giving daily updates and daily feedback by the top medical personnel? 

If the DG is busy, I am sure one of his deputies can sit in to answer these questions. It will look ridiculous if there is only one person who can give details. 

Very recently, Malaysiakini also reported that the infectivity rate (Rt) is normally only announced when the DG himself makes a statement.

By not addressing these daily concerns from the journalists and the public at large means that the current government is irresponsible and incompetent. 

During times of emergency, we need proper sources and not to rely on rumours and fake news. 

Previously the DG would be able to put to rest such rumours and set the record straight. Now we are in a very critical period while questions are being asked about the vaccines and home quarantine.

Even the police and authorities seem confused with the SOP. It is during this time we need clear information flow and what better way than via the print and electronic media?

I do understand the mental fatigue faced among the healthcare workers and appreciate the sacrifices they do in the line of duty. 

Having said that, this is the time we need visible leadership. And during times of health emergency, with the numbers of deaths increasing by the day, we expect proper information flow and effective action. 

Currently, we see that clarification takes a few days and implementation takes longer.

It is our desperate hope and demand that the Health DG or someone from the Health Ministry gives a daily interactive briefing and takes on questions from the media. 

Clarity will help us move on to effectively battle this deadly pandemic.

---

S ARUTCHELVAN is the deputy chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). - Mkini

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.