KUALA LUMPUR: Insufficient measures to curb Covid-19 following the reopening of China's borders may push the country's healthcare system past the breaking point.
Experts warned that the government's plan to impose only temperature checks for inbound travellers and refer those with symptoms to the health authorities would lead to the collapse of the healthcare system.
Epidemiologist Dr Malina Osman said the government must act swiftly in reviewing the system before the country is hit by another wave of Covid-19.
She said coordinating strategies on training, improved facilities and updated early warning surveillance systems need to be included in the measures to curb the spread of the virus.
"We still do not know what is really happening in China. Unofficial reports estimate that Covid-19 deaths in the republic stand at 9,000 cases daily.
"Based on our experience in managing the pandemic, one of the most critical issues (that needs to be solved) is contract doctors.
"Technology like electronic bracelets, negative pressure ambulance and online information systems related to surveillance management should also be reviewed," she told the New Straits Times.
Dr Malina said extra caution is needed to prevent the entry of new virulent strains of the virus into the country.
"Deaths may be associated with the new virulent Covid-19 strain or due to seasonal pneumonia or some other unknown reasons.
"I believe the (health) ministry already has a list of issues that needs to be addressed before a possible new wave of cases (hits the country)."
Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said all visitors entering the country must undergo temperature checks following concerns over the rise of Covid-19 cases in China.
She said symptomatic visitors would be referred to the health authorities for further action.
She said RTK-Antigen tests would be compulsory only for some patients, such as Covid-19-positive patients with influenza-like illnesses or severe acute respiratory infections.
She said this also applied to people with a travel history to China within 14 days or people who had close contact with a person with a travel history to China within 14 days.
The measures sparked concern among the public, with some expressing worry over the possible collapse of the healthcare system.
In 2021, Malaysia's healthcare system reached its breaking point when the country registered up to 35,000 Covid-19 cases daily, with hospital bed occupancy rates, including at Intensive Care Units, reaching nearly 100 per cent.
Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin said the country must learn from the past.
"We should avoid the negative socio-economic impact that hit us previously. We are just recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
"We have enough cases and we do not want to have a sudden and explosive surge in cases like before."
Universiti Malaya occupational and public health expert Professor Dr Victor Hoe said the government needed to improve the booster shot coverage to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
"Those who have not received their booster shots are advised to get them as this can reduce the strain on our healthcare system.
"Industry players must develop standard operating procedures for travellers to provide daily health declarations and work with private healthcare facilities to facilitate the referral of travellers who develop symptoms."
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