Situation under control, says health minister on heatwave

 

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa today reiterated that the status of the national health system is still under control amid the current hot spell.

As of yesterday, she said the Health Ministry recorded 15 cumulative cases related to the hot weather, with the death toll remaining at one.

“The 15 cases involved four cases of heatstroke, five cases of heat exhaustion, and six cases of heat cramps. All of them have been given medical treatment and have fully recovered.

“So far, I can say that the situation is still under control and needs no drastic action, but the ministry will always be prepared in terms of treatment. In fact, all state hospital directors have been asked to always be on alert,” she said after attending the Health White Paper (HWP) town hall session for the eastern zone today.

Zaliha said this in response to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement today that the government is prepared to declare an emergency if the current hot spell in the country turns extreme.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa

Meanwhile, she said she was optimistic that the HWP, which would be tabled for the first time at Parliament next month, will receive the full support of the members of Parliament.

“Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his full support for the HWP and so will all members of Parliament, Insya Allah. I’m sure everyone wants the best health system,” she said.

- Bernama