Covid-19 wreaked havoc across the globe, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Malaysia was no exception, facing its worst public health disaster. The high death rate per capita placed it at the top of Southeast Asia’s list and second only to Hong Kong in Asia.
In 2021, Malaysia recorded a maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 68.2 per 100,000 live births, a level not seen since the mid-1980s. Decades of progress in healthcare were undone by the pandemic’s relentless onslaught.
Governments worldwide conducted inquiries into their pandemic responses, seeking lessons for future outbreaks. However, Malaysia’s government remained silent on many critical issues related to Covid-19.
One key area that emerged early on was the struggle faced by healthcare workers (HCW). As the backbone of the healthcare system, HCWs fought valiantly to keep it from collapsing amidst unprecedented challenges.
During the initial stages of the pandemic, there were severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in Sabah, Sarawak, and private clinics. HCWs had to resort to making their own PPE or rely on donations from volunteer groups due to supply chain disruptions.
The lack of testing capacity further compounded the crisis. Testing kits were scarce, leading to insufficient testing for patients seeking care in both public and private healthcare settings. Public facilities had to depend on donations from NGOs and charities to meet their testing needs.
Many HCWs found themselves working without adequate protection or support systems in place. Risk assessments were lacking, exposing frontline workers like doctors and nurses unnecessarily to the virus. The toll on HCWs’ physical health was significant as they battled not only Covid-19 infections but also long-term complications like long Covid.
Mental health struggles became prevalent among HCWs as anxiety and depression permeated through their ranks. The fear of infecting loved ones coupled with overwork and burnout created a toxic environment for those fighting at the forefront against Covid-19.
Despite these challenges, many HCWs demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the crisis. Their dedication and teamwork saved Malaysia’s healthcare system from complete collapse during this tumultuous period.
As we reflect on these unprecedented times, numerous unanswered questions linger:
“What can be learned from HCWs with non-communicable diseases during the pandemic?”
“How can health inequalities be addressed in future crises?”
“Did the health system adequately support HCWs affected by short or long-term effects of Covid-19?”
“How did pre-pandemic health system conditions impact HCWs’ experiences during Covid-19?”
“To what extent could government intervention have mitigated negative impacts on HCWs’ physical and mental well-being?”
These questions underscore the need for comprehensive post-pandemic evaluations and reforms within Malaysia’s healthcare sector.
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