Yesterday, the Malaysia Ministry of Health revealed that they were running low on 3 types of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in their fight against COVID-19.

They also shared how they have been keeping track of PPE stocks in Malaysia, and what they are doing to mitigate the shortage.

COVID-19 in Malaysia : 3 PPE Types Running Low In April

Due to the highly-contagious nature of COVID-19, PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) is critical in protecting healthcare workers, and so their use have skyrocketed.

Malaysia Director General of Health, Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, revealed that the Malaysia Ministry of Health is running out of three key PPE types in April.

Jumpsuit or protective coverall : 19 days left

Disposable fluid resistant apron (long sleeves with cuffs) : 23 days left

Disposable face shield (eye visor, face shield or goggles) : 25 days left

Three other PPE types are also running low :

Surgical N-95 face mask : 37 days left

3-ply face mask : 47 days left

Protective head cover : 52 days left

The only PPE the Malaysia Ministry of Health has in excess of two months supply is footwear / boot cover.

Grassroots Effort To Make DIY Face Shields

Fortunately, there are many volunteers who are making DIY face shields to help make up for the shortage.

If you are interested to do so, you can learn how to quickly and easily make DIY face shields from Dr. Tan Sock Hooi and her Malaysian Dental Association Northern Zone team!

Be part of the fight against COVID-19!

Recommended : COVID-19 : How To DIY Your Own Face Shields!

PPE Strategy In Malaysia

The Malaysia Ministry of Health earlier revealed their strategy to ensure sufficient PPE is available, even in the face of a global shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coordinate the PPE supply chain – centralised procurement and monitoring of effective PPE usage Minimise the need for PPE – through quarantine and business reengineering to reduce exposure to infection Rational use of PPE – PPE should be judiciously used based on the risk of exposure

They will continue to carry out PPE procurement in bulk at central and state levels, working closely with the National Security Council, National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and other central agencies to ensure that issues relating to the supply chain issues are specifically addressed.

PPE Supply Management In Malaysia

The Malaysia Ministry of Health detailed how they have been monitoring and managing the stock levels and consumption rates for the different PPE types.

The MOH uses a simple online reporting and database system that is administered by Officers at all State Health Departments, hospitals and District Health Offices (including all health clinics under the respective District Health Office).

The responsible officers in each state will key in data on a daily basis, and the information is used to rapidly mobilise stocks to hospitals that require them.

The Malaysia Ministry of Health also provided this list of names, telephone numbers and email addresses of the responsible officers in each state that can assist the public, as well as healthcare workers, in providing feedback on shortage of any PPE.

Upon “immediate verification”, rapid mobilisation of available PPE stocks can be undertaken to address a shortage, based on needs and priorities.

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!

Avoid public events and crowds

Keep our hands clean with soap or hand sanitiser

Keep our home, office, vehicles, etc. clean

If you need to wear a surgical mask, make sure you put it on and remove it properly!

Wash your food with water (and soap) after purchase and before preparation

Recommended : COVID-19 : Hand Sanitiser or Soap? Which Is Better?

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