PETALING JAYA, Jan 30 — Clinics located primarily within major cities could soon be open later at night due to the increase of dengue cases.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said longer clinic operating hours are currently being discussed but will be finalised next week.
“This effort of extra operating hours for clinics will lessen the burden (on accident and emergency departments).
“Not all dengue cases require patients to be admitted into hospitals, so depending on the severity (of the case), clinics can also provide appropriate healthcare,” he said.
There were 2,229 reported dengue cases in week four (Jan 20 — 26), making a total of up to 7,370 cases and nine deaths so far this year.
Subramaniam said the ministry had decided to increase the ‘Dengue Prevention Programme’ primarily within the Petaling district.
He believed the cause of dengue was primarily from within homes, not just outdoors.
“Mosquitoes can breed anywhere and in places we do not expect.
“We are currently dealing with a different kind of dengue mosquito.
“They have a stronger ability to infect people. They can even breed on a leaf. The government is doing its best,” he added.
Subramaniam stressed that the government would require the cooperation of the public in order to overcome this problem.
Meanwhile, Subramaniam also stressed on the importance of information technology with healthcare. He said that with technological advancements today, people can easily monitor and acquire health information from various sources and detect illnesses at early stages.
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