Health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has reiterated that the health situation in the country is still under control amid the current hot weather.
She said as of yesterday, the health ministry had recorded 15 cases related to the heatwave, 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 providing treatment. In fact, all state hospital directors have been asked to be on alert,” she said after attending the Health White Paper (HWP) town hall session for the eastern zone here.
Zaliha said this in response to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement today that the government was prepared to declare an emergency if there was a need.
Meanwhile, she said she was optimistic that the HWP, which would be tabled for the first reading in Parliament next month, would receive the full support of the members of Parliament.
“Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his full support for the HWP and we hope so will all members of Parliament, InsyaAllah. I’m sure everyone wants the best health system,” she said.