The Ministry of Health has assured healthcare workers on the ground today that there are sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the PPE supply, secured by the ministry, can accommodate the usage in all its health facilities.
Earlier, videos of medical staff making PPE from plastic bags, dustbin liners and cling wrap went viral on social media.
This was due to inadequate PPE supply at the Health Ministry facilities.
Dr Noor Hisham said the issue right now is on the re-distribution of the PPE.
“We got the stocks now, but the issue is re-distribution because fast-moving hospitals such as Sungai Buloh Hospital, their utilisation is very high.
“I don’t think there is an issue because we have ample stocks of face masks and PPE,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham added that the ministry will ensure enough PPE at all health facilities through coordination of supply with the state health departments.
“The ministry has always given priority to the safety aspects of its members.” he said.
A PPE unit consists of a face shield, gown, boot cover, apron, hair cover and head cover.
To date, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has successfully acquired 33 million of PPE stock supply to cover the usage of all health facilities and will be distributed within the week.
“In addition, the government has also received donations of PPE from various parties and a total of three million PPE units are being distributed to health facilities as needed.
“The MoH would like to express our sincere appreciation to all parties for their contribution,” he added.
Related report: Mar 23, Medical Staff Turn to Plastic Bags, Cling Wrap amid Shortage of PPE in Covid-19 Battle