KUALA LUMPUR, August 4 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) said it has three months’ stockpile of protective gear at public medical facilities, amid the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to rage on globally.
MOH used emergency procurement method and utilisation of existing contracts, including approved product purchased list (APPL) concessions, to ensure supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are obtained immediately.
“MOH has procured 186.5 million units of PPE with a value of RM299.4 million for use of the Ministry’s frontline personnel,” said Health Minister Dr Adham Baba in a written Parliament answer to Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong on July 28.
“As of July 17, MOH has spent RM252.7 million from the total of RM299.4 million, and will always ensure adequate allocation is provided, in order to manage and control the Covid-19 outbreak well.”
According to the health minister, MOH has been allocated a special budget of RM1.005 billion, receiving the funds in stages from the Ministry of Finance in an effort to curb and reduce Covid-19 transmissions in the country.
The DAP lawmaker, Khoo, had asked the health minister to state the number of gloves, gowns, face shields, goggles, face masks and other PPE equipment purchased by MOH amid the Covid-19 outbreak. He also asked the minister to disclose the amount that was spent for each item.
According to Dr Adham, so far, MOH has spent RM650 million from the RM1.005 billion allocation on expenses such as:
- Acquisition of assets (medical and non-medical)
- Medication or drugs
- Reagents, test kits and consumables
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Private doctor services
- Covid-19 test outsourcing services with private laboratories
- Appointment of contract staff
- Covid-19 allowance payment
In addition, Dr Adham also stated that the ministry received 14.8 million units of PPE from various countries, government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals.
