PUTRAJAYA has allocated another RM500 million to the Ministry of Health to combat the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

“The allocation will be used to buy ventilators and intensive care unit (ICE) equipment, additional personal-protective equipment (PPE) and all laboratory necessities,” said the prime minister in Putrajaya at noon today.

An additional RM100 million will be given to the ministry to hire an additional 2,000 contract staffers, especially nurses.

“A lot of nurses and medical staff are overworked at the moment doing both day and night shifts.

“I hope the hospitals will get additional staff immediately,” said Muhyiddin.

The announcement comes after today’s Economic Action Council (EAC) meeting, chaired by the prime minister.

Muhyiddin said procurement of ventilators, ICU equipment and PPE will be expedited as the government has approved emergency procurement processes.

Putrajaya will continue to study other measures and announce them under a more comprehensive economic stimulus package to fight Covid-19 on March 30, he said. – March 23, 2020.