From 200 To 20: Number Of Patients In HKL Emergency Dept Reduces Within A Month

The number of patients in the Emergency Ward at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) has been declining significantly, proving that the vaccination programme is working in reducing critical Covid-19 cases!

As of 16 August, over 47% of the adult population in Malaysia have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

According to the director of HKL, Dr Rohana Johan, this downward trend started taking place over a month ago, and most significantly in the past week, reported Harian Metro.

Less emergency cases

“Thank God, if we compare the admission of Covid-19 patients over the past month, we can see a decrease in cases coming in through the Emergency Department,” she said.

“One month ago, there were more than 200 emergency cases waiting for admission to the ward, now only around 20 people remain.”

She added that the cooperation of the people in getting themselves vaccinated and having the self-control to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) have contributed to this improvement.

Additionally, Dr Rohana said the cases under Category 5 that require breathing assistance also showed a significant decline, especially among individuals who have been fully vaccinated.

“Although there are still cases that require respiratory assistance, a high number is seen among individuals who do not have a history of vaccination,” she said.

Frontliners can treat patients calmly

Fortunately, this has lightened the workload of frontliners, who are able to treat patients more calmly.

An emergency and trauma services consultant at the hospital known as Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Kamal Batcha told NST that his colleagues are relieved by the decreasing rate of admissions for Category 3,4, and 5 Covid-19 patients over the last five days in the Klang Valley.

Dr Rohana added that she is confident this downward trend will continue with the cooperation of the people and thanked those involved in making it happen, including the Ministry of Health (KKM), the Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force (GKV) and private hospitals that are ready to accept non-Covid-19 patients.

“Also collaborative initiatives with the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Malaysian Civil Defense Force and volunteers either clinically or non-clinically that helped reduce congestion at the HKL Emergency Department,” she said.

Dr Rohana Johan, Director of HKL

Meanwhile, a survey found that two wards that were previously reserved for treating Category 3 Covid-19 patients have now become wards to treat non-Covid-19 patients since one week ago.

The ward which can accommodate about 30 people at a time was once filled with about 70 Covid-19 patients, some of whom had to use temporary canvas beds.

However, with the decline in critical cases, the canvas beds are now placed in a corner to be used only when needed, as are dozens of oxygen tanks and ventilators. Empty beds can also be seen in two isolation wards that usually house Category 4 and 5 patients.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, this is will also be true for the many other hospitals in Malaysia dedicated to treating Covid-19 patients. 

Also read: “70 mothers across M’sia have died” Here’s Why Pregnant Women Need To Vaccinate