SHAH ALAM – The Health Ministry has taken drastic and immediate action concerning Covid-19 patients at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang, including maximising its capacity so more individuals can be treated.
Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Shafiq Abdullah said the bed occupancy rate for coronavirus patients at the health facility – categorised as a state referral and Covid-19 hybrid hospital – is currently at 154.73%, which is equivalent to 1,098 patients.
“The existing wards have been upgraded, and their equipment and facilities will be improved to ensure the best health services and treatment can be provided to patients.”
He was responding to a letter dated August 11 from Klang MP Charles Santiago and a media report on the current Covid-19 situation in HTAR.
Up to August 11, an additional 27 health staff have been mobilised at HTAR, and the process of appointing permanent and contract staff has been expedited to help address the surge in patient numbers.
Shafiq said in the first seven months of this year, the ministry has approved an additional allocation of RM57.3 million under emergency procurement – specifically for medical equipment such as beds, ventilators, infusion pumps, patient monitors, blood glucose machines and other essential needs.
Of the total, HTAR received RM9.25 million, he added.
He said the ministry has also furnished an additional 151 beds to the hospital last month, adding that another 200 beds and 30 ventilators will be delivered next week.
“Non-governmental organisations, multinational companies and individuals have also donated medical equipment to HTAR.”
On cleanliness at the Emergency and Trauma Department, Shafiq said the daily cleaning frequency has been increased, and preparation and delivery of food for patients is done according to a newly adjusted schedule.
From July 30, the ministry has set up a helpline desk at the department to enable the next of kin to obtain the latest information on the health status of family members affected by Covid-19. – Bernama, August 14, 2021
