LETTERS: In 2014, my family had a scare. We initially suspected that my father's persistent cough and difficulty in breathing could be due to his heavy smoking.
A medical officer in a clinic advised us to check for tuberculosis (TB).
Doctors at a Kuala Lumpur hospital said it was not TB. The cough was caused by a less life-threatening issue.
However, I recall my frustration about the lack of information on potential incidents of communicable diseases in certain areas.
Back then, we could learn about communicable incidents only through the news. Tracking diseases was the responsibility of hospitals and medical professionals.
However, with the advent of Covid-19 and, more specifically, the MySejahtera app, reporting and staying informed on infectious diseases became more transparent and efficient.
MySejahtera has empowered communities by providing up-to-date information and enabling immediate reporting of diseases.
This approach to health management aids communities in protecting themselves.
This transparency reduces panic and ensures we do not spread unverified news.
During Covid-19, I found the MySejahtera app progressive because few countries had adopted digital tools to manage the disease. In this regard, I am of the opinion that our health system is impressive and effective.
Before Covid-19, it was hard to assess our health system.
But that disease showed that our health system was a leader in the region. I still use the MySejahtera app because it remains a practical tool for managing my health.
When Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa addressed concerns about a supposed TB outbreak in the Klang Valley, it highlighted the importance of reliable information dissemination.
Fortunately for us, MySejahtera is a dependable resource in this regard.
She said we have to be wary of spreading false news. There have only been 11 cases in the last 60 days, as opposed to more than 100 active cases.
She urged people to check the app for the number of cases in different areas. This shows that we are only a few clicks away from the latest information from the ministry.
MySejahtera is a crucial and resourceful tool, not just for infectious diseases but also for managing health aspects. I depend on the MySejahtera app to provide information on infectious diseases in nearby areas.
I also rely on it to check appointment availability at government clinics and to schedule them.
As always, the service at public health clinics is efficient and impressive.
I am grateful to our health professionals and the system in place. Tracking infectious diseases is much easier today, thanks to the MySejahtera app.
I plan to schedule a health screening via the app one day and explore features related to mental health, like MyMinda.
People must know that the MySejahtera app has become a critical tool for managing our health. It has evolved into a platform with many features.
Back then, it was essential for disease tracking and the home of our digital passports.
Today, it offers practical services to manage our health.
I hope more people become aware of its features and services, recognising that being informed is not just a personal responsibility but also lightens the burden on the health authorities.
I hope we can keep the MySejahtera app permanently.
ALYSSA MARIAM
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times