By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, June 30 — The distribution of pulse oximeter by the Selangor government in the free home assessment tools to people suspected of being Covid-19 positive can help save lives.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Science Council member Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said the device measures oxygen saturation level in a patient’s body.
She said during the current pandemic situation, those infected with Covid-19 will not be aware of the decrease in oxygen content in their body that causes organ failure that leads to death.
“The normal oxygen reading rate is around 98 per cent and above, when exposed to Covid-19 infection it will go down little by little. This so-called ‘happy hypoxia’ happens very slowly, there is no feeling of shortness of breath.
“So having this oxygen measuring device for me is very life-saving, if the reading drops to 94 or 95 per cent, it is better to get treatment fast,” she said.
She said this during the Media Selangor’s Bual Bicara virtual talk show titled ‘Finding The Way Out’ that was aired live on Media Selangor’s Facebook page and SelangorTV Youtube channel last night.
On June 20, the state government allocated RM5 million to provide home assessment kits containing pulse oximeter, medication, face masks and a thermometer for individuals suspected of Covid-19 positive.
Caption:
Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman was appointed a member of the Science Council of the World Health Organization (WHO). Photo: Twitter Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman
