Over 600 KKM Staff Have Psychological Issues From Overworking During COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, if there’s anyone that’s working harder than everyone, it’s definitely our frontliners – especially those working in healthcare.

From wearing PPE suits more than half a day to tending patients day and night, there’s no end to the sacrifices that they’ve made for the country.

However, this may have taken a toll on them after a few months since the pandemic started.

According to RTM, more than 600 Health Ministry officers are suffering from some sort of psychological disorder or issue.

18 September - Lebih 600 petugas kesihatan KKM alami pelbagai masalah psikologi ketika penularan COVID-19https://t.co/eJ2oUVZ0IZ @KKMPutrajaya'Maklumat Sahih, Jenama Dipercayai'#BeritaRTM #RTM #COVID19Malaysia #PKPP #KitaJagaKita #KerajaanPrihatin #BahUndi2020 pic.twitter.com/z9wBvuWCos
— BeritaRTM (@beritartm) September 18, 2020

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba says that stress, long working hours, and manpower shortage were the main factors contributing factors to these psychological issues.

The ministry has since set up a special platform for health officers who are going through problems and also are providing psychosocial lines managed by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Department of Social Welfare.

“We will treat those suffering from psychosocial issues and will not let them deal with COVID-19 patients,” Adham said.

Look at the amount of sweat accumulated in the PPE suit!

We can’t imagine the level of exhaustion or stress our frontliners have to go through every day, and we hope that their efforts will pay off and be appreciated.