Decline in new HFMD cases, says Dr Dzulkefly

GEORGE TOWN: There has been a decline in new hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases over the past one week.

HFMD cases reported nationwide dropped to 770 new cases as at Friday compared with 952 in the week before.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the number of HFMD cases has been steadily coming down with the precautionary measures taken by the Health Department nationwide.

“There has been no deaths and we closed 631 premises including kindergartens, preschool and school classes.

“However most of them have reopened and only 58 premises were still closed on Friday,” Dr Dzulkefly told newsmen after he attended a briefing at Penang Hospital yesterday.

Dr Dzulkefly also said representatives from 3,769 kindergartens and preschools attended meetings conducted by the Health Department on containing the disease.

On the delay in the completion of the surgery theatres in Penang Hospital, he said surgeries would be performed until 6pm every day including Saturdays to clear the backlog.

“We have set aside RM1.77mil for the extended hours’ expenses and the Public Works Department has given its commitment that all the 10 theatres would be completed by October.

“Although we found the contrac- tor to be incompetent, he will be given another opportunity to complete the work on the RM15mil project,” added Dr Dzulkefly.

It was reported in early July that many surgery cases, including critical ones, had been postponed due to the delay in completing the surgery theatres by the contractor.

As a temporary measure, three theatres meant for emergency cases are operating 24 hours and another four for elective cases are operating from 8am to 10pm daily.