KUCHING: Sarawak is preparing for the worst despite its Covid-19 daily cases are now showing a downward trend.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said a hybrid modular intensive care unit (ICU) would be set up at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), providing additional 10 ICU beds.
He said it would be set up at the hospital's parking area which is separated from the main building, to cater to Covid-19 patients. Construction is expected to commence next month.
"Although our daily Covid-19 cases have been low, we are preparing for the worst as we are not out of the woods yet."
"Hence, we will continue to enhance and improve facilities at our hospitals," he said after a visit to the hospital here today.
Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said he was there to look into the existing Covid-19 facilities, especially the ICU and ventilation points.
He recalled that SGH was short of ventilator points at one time (during the surge of Covid-19), hence, the Sarawak government had allocated RM1.3 million to install an additional 36 ventilation points.
"And now we are building a hybrid modular ICU in case there is a surge of Covid-19 cases that need to be admitted at the ICU," he said.
It was learnt that the hybrid modular ICU is expected to cost about RM6 million, including its medical asset.
Uggah said the second reason for his visit was to see the situation and operation of the hospital himself, including the Covid-19 patients seeking treatment there.
He said the number of the Covid-19 patients at the SGH was low, which was in line with the state's daily report.
However, he urged everyone to remain cautious and follow all the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) strictly, especially with the upcoming Chinese New Year next week.
"The reason why there's no surge of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak after the 12th state election in December last year was due to the strict SOP compliance.
"So, I hope the people in Sarawak can continue to be disciplined and follow the SOP, even during the festive season," he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian who was also present at the visit, said the operation of the SGH had returned to normal, following the drop of Covid-19 cases and admission.
"Many surgeries or appointments had been postponed due to Covid-19 but now they are able to proceed with it. Besides, most of the ICU beds are now made available for the non Covid-19 patients as well," he said.
