PASIR MAS: The standard operating procedure (SOP) by Kelantan Health Department will be used as a benchmark for preparing other health facilities to deal with floods.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the SOP would be extended to other states such as Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.
"The dashboard digital flood management used by Kelantan as its SOP, which it carried before, during, and after a flood, has proven to be effective.
"I was informed that during flood season, four teams have been set up comprising health, medical, mental health and literacy health.
"This is good. For example at Pasir Mas health clinic, they can monitor in real time and even have the dashboard to predict the areas that will be seriously affected by flood," he told reporters after visiting flood victims at SMK Baroh Pial relief centre here today.
Also present were the health ministry's deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli and state health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin.
On Covid-19 cases, he said a total of 15 Covid-19 cases were reported at the flood relief centres in Kelantan since the first wave of floods in November.
Dr Dzulkefly said the situation, however, was under control.
"In Kelantan, we have recorded 15 Covid-19 cases and most of the cases were in Pasir Mas and Tanah Merah.
"The cases are under control with all victims only showing stage one and two symptoms," he added.
He said the ministry realised that Kelantan urgently needed more assets like four-wheel-drive vehicles as most of the flooding areas were difficult to reach using regular vehicles.
"Therefore, we will mobilise the vehicles and other assets needed as soon as possible," he added.
Asked about the possibility of the health staff especially in Kelantan suffering from stress from working long hours during this flood season, he said the ministry was planning for rotation work.
"To reduce stress among frontliners, we need reinforcement from NGOs and staff from other health clinics to assist those who have worked extra hours," he added.