Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital and Batu Gajah Hospital are among the 32 health facilities listed to provide services of medical rehabilitation for Long Covid.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, via a media statement on the social media platform of the Ministry of Health explained, “Individuals experiencing light Long Covid symptoms can undergo preliminary assessment and treatment at any health clinic nationwide.”
“Those experiencing serious Long Covid symptoms, affecting daily functions and ability to return to work, can refer to hospitals with medical rehabilitation expertise as listed.
“Among the common Long Covid symptoms which can impact daily functions and activities are fatigue, difficulty in breathing, cough, joint and muscle pain, difficulty in sleeping well, limb weakness, sensory problems, anxiety, brain fog and skin lesions.
According to him, medical rehabilitation focuses on boosting an individual’s functions by diagnosis, treatment, reducing disability and preventing complications.
“Interventions via rehabilitation programmes are aimed at optimal physical, cognitive, social, psychological, vocational and avocational functioning, in line with the distinctive needs of the impacted individual.
“Till April 2022, a total of 2,798 patients has undergone medical rehabilitation for Long Covid via in-patient treatment while 6,432 patients via outpatient treatment at the ministry’s facilities nationwide.
“A total of 30% to 40% of Long Covid patients can return to work in 3 months after being infected with COVID-19 while 60% to 70% can return to work in 6 months after infection.
The Ministry of Health will continue to add more resources and equipment for the treatment of Long Covid as part of the strategy to protect those at high risk.
Rosli Mansor
