MEA has allocated RM227 million for the purchase of medical and non-medical equipment for all health facilities, for 2020 – Azmin Ali

24 January 2020 – Regarding the recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China and other countries in the region, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) will continue to ensure the country’s preparedness in dealing with this outbreak effectively by working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) through development funding to enhance national preparedness to face health emergencies and outbreaks.

“In 2019, MEA has approved the establishment of the National Centre for Disease Control (CDC) at a cost of RM500 million to prevent and control diseases, investigate outbreaks and public health threats.

This project has been underway and is expected to be completed by 2023. Through the establishment of CDC, the role of the National Public Health Laboratory will continue to be strengthened to address epidemic threats to public health.

For 2020, MEA has allocated RM227 million for the purchase of medical and non-medical equipment for all health facilities throughout the country. ” said Minister of Economic Affairs, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali in a statement today

Azmin also added that MEA will ensure selected hospitals and health clinics that have been identified for the purpose of screening of diseases will be adequately equipped in controlling infection, prevention and contact detection in potential areas.

On 23rd January 2020, Singapore has reported one case of imported Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) involving a male Chinese national from Wuhan aged 66 years old. His son aged 37 years old has also been reported to be infected by the virus today.