SULTAN of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to urgently address the ongoing shortage of hospital beds in major healthcare facilities across the state.
His Royal Highness emphasised the need for both the construction of new hospitals and the upgrading of existing ones, as the current high bed utilisation rates at several key hospitals have led to situations where patients are unable to secure a bed upon admission.
During a speech at the opening of the Women and Children Centre and the rebranding of Kajang Hospital to Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital, Sultan Sharafuddin outlined the severe strain on the healthcare system, particularly in terms of hospital capacity.
He urged the MOH to not only expand bed availability but also to consider the construction of more clinics in strategically located areas to improve access to affordable healthcare for the people of Selangor.
“There is a significant shortage of health clinic facilities in Selangor when compared to the state's population. While private hospitals and clinics are numerous, many residents still find the costs prohibitive,” the Sultan said.
Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, was present at the event, alongside Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
In his address, Sultan Sharafuddin also raised concerns about the shortage of healthcare workers, noting that the current staff levels are so insufficient that some are forced to work double shifts.
The Sultan directed the Ministry to address this issue swiftly, ensuring that health workers are distributed fairly across the system.
"If there are insufficient positions, create new roles to meet the growing demand," he instructed, stressing the importance of an organized system to enhance the well-being of healthcare workers and improve their ability to serve the public effectively.
The Sultan also highlighted the need for the healthcare system in Selangor to be better prepared for the upcoming surge in elderly patients, as Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2035.
He noted that while Malaysia's healthcare services for the elderly are currently lagging behind those of countries like Japan and Singapore, there is a growing need for improvement, particularly in geriatric care.
Sultan Sharafuddin proposed the expansion and upgrading of geriatric units at hospitals and clinics, with the addition of more specialized personnel to address the needs of the ageing population.
In line with this, His Royal Highness instructed the MOH to consider the establishment of a dedicated referral hospital for geriatric care to meet the increasing demand in Selangor.
He also called for a broader emphasis on promoting healthy living practices across all age groups, not just the elderly, to foster a healthier population overall.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed his hopes for the newly-rebranded Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital, especially the Women and Children Centre, to significantly enhance healthcare services in the Hulu Langat district.
"The hospital, which has been operational since 1889, has undergone continuous upgrades to ensure that it is equipped with modern, high-tech facilities," he said.
"With these improvements, the people of Hulu Langat now have access to advanced healthcare services for women's and children's health."
The Sultan's remarks underscore the urgent need for investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources to meet the challenges posed by population growth and the increasing demand for medical services in Selangor. – February 13, 2025
