Forging clinical collaborations and cooperation in overcoming challenges for non–COVID-19 patients during COVID-19 times: Surgical case studies requiring a multidisciplinary and inter-agency approach in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global health services to a standstill. National healthcare systems and medical staffing in many countries have reached crisis levels due to the phenomenal outbreak. Healthcare resources have been strained to meet the unprecedented numbers of patient admissions with a significant amount of funding and manpower being channelled towards tackling this global pandemic. Despite the rollout of vaccinations, the development of new viral strains has now presented a new challenge. With the inevitable conversion of tertiary public hospitals to specialized COVID-19 centres with ‘Full Covid Status’ and the mobilization of its doctors from all specialities to care for these patients, the non–COVID-19 patients are becoming more neglected. The lack of elective surgeries performed and non-emergent admissions due to the unavailability of beds and personnel to care for this group of patients are concerning. As most of the focus and resources are now aimed at COVID-19 patients, the need to forge collaborations and cooperation between hospitals, agencies and healthcare systems are pertinent to ensure the provision of quality treatment for those suffering from non–COVID-19 diseases. To highlight this effort in Malaysia, we would like to present 2 case studies of non–COVID-19 patients undergoing elective surgeries through intergovernmental ministerial collaborations and a public–private partnership.