KUALA LUMPUR – The government has approved a pilot project to address overcrowding at the emergency department in Klang’s Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR).
The three proposals that will be implemented in the project are extended opening hours for the Botanik health clinic, review circulars issued by the Public Service Department and an additional allocation for the project.
According to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the approval was given by Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Public Service Director-General Datuk Zulkapli Mohamed.
Since Zaliha took over as health minister in December, she repeatedly expressed her ministry’s commitment to resolving issues and improving healthcare services in public hospitals, including overcrowding.
She said a recent visit by ministry officials to HTAR’s emergency department found that many patients are left waiting to be warded, adding that the delays would pose a negative domino effect.
She also said she is aware of the physical and mental fatigue faced by staffers, and that the ministry is looking into increasing manpower and hospital beds. – The Vibes, March 10, 2023
