Entire Tutong hospital may turn into isolation centre

THE Ministry of Health is preparing to increase the isolation capabilities of the Sultanate in anticipation of insufficient beds at the isolation centre of Tutong's Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital.

Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said there are currently only 44 beds available at the isolation centre.

"As the number of cases keep increasing, there is a possibility that the isolation wards in Tutong might not be enough," he said during a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Health.

"If the number of cases continue to increase, we will have to find other ways to quarantine those confirmed to be infected with the pandemic," he said, adding that the ministry is renewing its "management protocol" to cater to the needs of the country.

One such option is the conversion of the entire hospital into an isolation centre. However, the minister said this will only be done if required.

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi said that the ministry has already made arrangements to move some of the services and facilities provided by the hospital to other locations.

"The patients have not been moved yet because this might not be necessary," said the minister.

However, outpatient and specialist services such as the Medical Specialist Clinic, Dermatology, Midwifery, Maternal and Paediatric services have already been relocated to the Tutong Health Office and is expected to begin operations on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Oral Maxillo Facial (OMF), Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Ophthalmology services have been moved to Banglo Block B and C of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital and is also scheduled to begin operations on Saturday.

Another option the minister spoke of was self-isolation among the public at their residences.

"If the case of their infection is mild, we can provide them treatment at their own residence to reduce reliance on the Tutong hospital," he said, adding that only the more serious cases will be treated at the hospital itself.

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi said that the ministry would first evaluate the suitability of home treatment to ensure that there are no pregnant women or people with chronic diseases in proximity.

He further emphasised the need for the public to be more cautious despite Influenza A (H1N1) being categorised as a "mild" disease. He spoke of the ease of how the infection spreads and how this could affect the daily lives of many.

Another concern is the possibility of a "mutation" of the viral strain into something that is more dangerous, especially since there is still no vaccine for the pandemic. Previous news reports stated that the vaccine may be ready by August.

"We have also sent specimens to the laboratories of the World Health Organisation to confirm if the viral strain of the pandemic in Brunei is of the mild kind," he said. - Melvin JongThe Brunei Times