THE Health Ministry will prioritise improving key facilities in flood-prone Kelantan using part of the RM50 million flood relief allocation announced by the federal government.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she was informed that Kelantan needs more specific facilities, such as trucks and 4WD ambulances to facilitate relief work. 

“This is indeed necessary and we will work on it with the approved budget,” she told a press conference after a working visit to the Pasir Mas District Health Centre today. 

During the visit, Dr Zaliha was briefed on the current flood situation in Kelantan by state Deputy Health Director Dr Izamin Idris. 

Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said, her ministry has taken proactive measures by screening flood evacuees housed at relief centres for Covid-19. 

“Those who test positive will be isolated from other evacuees and those who need further treatment have been transferred,” she said. 

In a statement issued in conjunction with her visit, Dr Zaliha said the ministry has mobilised 20 mental health and psychosocial support teams to provide emotional support and psychological first aid to flood victims. 

She said health workers affected emotionally by the floods are being identified so psychological help can be provided if needed. 

Among services offered include relaxation, art therapy and psychoeducation sessions, she said.

A total of 835 members of the public and 21 frontliners have received psychological first aid, she said, with no cases referred to family physicians or psychiatrists. – Bernama, December 22, 2022.