HOSPITALS across Malaysia, particularly the Emergency and Trauma Departments (ETD), are on the highest alert to ensure medical needs are met during the Aidilfitri festival season, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking to reporters after a working visit to the ETD at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital (HSIS) in Serdang, Dr Dzulkefly assured that the Ministry of Health (KKM) has fully activated the ETD services and implemented a rotational leave system for medical staff to handle any potential emergencies during the holiday period.
"I want to ensure that hospitals are fully prepared to face both the post-Aidilfitri period and the festival itself," he said.
Bernama cited the minister expressing satisfaction with the management of the SMART Bed Monitor System (SBMSys) at HSIS, noting its efficiency in reducing patient waiting times for admission to wards for further monitoring or treatment.
This, he said, was crucial in improving patient care during the busy festive period.
Addressing concerns about hospital overcrowding, Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged the pressure on main hospitals but assured that the Ministry was continuously working to alleviate the situation by increasing medical staff numbers.
"Our main hospitals are quite crowded, but this also reflects the ongoing challenges we face and our efforts to address them," he explained.
Dr Dzulkefly also reminded the public not to delay seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms during the holiday season. "If you feel unwell, don’t wait too long. Seek medical help as soon as possible," he urged.
Earlier, Dr Dzulkefly visited staff and patients at HSIS Serdang and distributed sahur (pre-dawn meal) packages to hospital staff working during the early hours of the morning.
On the subject of medical officer placement, particularly the ePlacement system, the minister reassured that KKM was working to implement the best possible solutions for all medical staff.
"We will ensure fairness, empathy, and the welfare of all our staff. We are considering all factors and hope to deliver justice for everyone involved," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly also announced that the new ePlacement system for medical officers would likely reopen for applications between May and June.
This follows previous calls from the Malaysian Medical Officers Association to reinstate the ePlacement decision made on February 27, which was later cancelled, as well as the suspension of permanent appointment processes for 2,245 new medical officers. – March 27, 2025
