With just 19 days left in jumpsuit supply, Health D-G urges prudence in PPE use

KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 14 — Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Malaysia only has 19 days’ supply left of some items that form the complete personal protective equipment (PPE) used by medical frontliners.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry only has enough medical jumpsuits to last that period while the supply of other items was still acceptable.

He said the usage of PPEs has risen 10-fold since the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hit Malaysia and it was critical to ensure a steady supply so that efforts to contain the pandemic are not disrupted.

He said there was still a lack of care in the use of the limited PPE, including the unnecessary use of the full suit where a surgical mask and foot covers may suffice.

“The global stocks for PPE, which is an essential item for frontliners, is reducing. We need to find ways of sourcing more stocks so we can stay ahead of the curve,” said Dr Noor Hisham during his daily Covid-19 briefing in Putrajaya today.

Dr Noor Hisham said footwear or boot cover stock will only last for another 78 days, protective headgear (52 days), three-ply masks (47 days), surgical N95 masks (37 days), disposable face shields (25 days), disposable fluid resistant aprons (23 days) and other gowns and PPE material (19 days).

He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) along with the National Disaster Management Agency and National Security Council are working hand-in-hand to ensure stock is in abundance.

They are using information sharing from districts all the way to the federal level to monitor usage and stock levels at all states.

Information will be shared online and stock mobilisation will take place where necessary based on priority.

For the time being, Dr Noor Hisham pleaded with the frontliners to use the PPE equipment prudently and follow the guidelines provided by MOH.

“Not all medical personnel need to wear all the PPE equipment while on duty. This to ensure we are being thrifty with our stock. This is because this item is something we need on a daily basis until the Covid-19 outbreak is contained,” said Dr Noor Hisham.