KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 -- In a bid to put COVID-19 infection under control, it is hoped that Budget 2021 will provide the largest allocation for the prevention and treatment of the disease, which is anticipated to persist over the next few years.

As such, the largest and significant allocation should go to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the continuation of efforts to curb the spread of the disease, besides enhancing the ministry’s capability to face the long-term effects of COVID-19 on public health.

MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said COVID-19 prevention measures, such as the acquisition of vaccines, require a lot of money.

“The existing medical equipment and healthcare facilities need to be upgraded as we may face a new wave after this.

“This is also to prepare us to face any other possible pandemic in the future,” he told Bernama.

Dr Ahmad Faizal also proposed for significant allocations to be given to other ministries with frontliners, such as the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Higher Education, as well as to health-related non-governmental organisations to help the MOH in line with the “full government and full society approach” approach in fighting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said the association is looking forward to seeing an increase in the number of permanent posts at the MOH due to the current shortage of positions for junior doctors, nurses and paramedics.

He said many new and existing facilities and departments are unable to operate due to lack of human capital.

“MMA hopes, the government will also provide a 10 year extended contract for medical officers to allow for specialisation in Masters programme (UD43/44 for two years and UD47/48 for eight years), once they are qualified as a specialist, permanent post at UD54 can be offered,” he said.

The Budget 2021 is expected to be tabled at Parliament on Friday.

-- BERNAMA