The Health Ministry has taken steps to maximise patient capacity at Tuanku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) Klang in response to a spike in Covid-19 admissions.
This includes increasing the number of beds and assigning more healthcare personnel since last month, said Health Ministry secretary-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah.
"The Health Ministry had last month delivered an additional 151 beds to HTAR and the next addition, involving 200 beds and 30 ventilators, will be sent by early next week," he said in a statement issued in response to an Aug 11 letter from Klang MP Charles Santiago who requested more urgent assistance for HTAR.
"The ministry thanks YB Klang for his concern to ensure feedback from the people, particularly residents of Klang, could be channelled to us," he said.
On the current situation, Shafiq said HTAR today recorded a Bed Occupation Rate of 154.73 percent for Covid-19 patients, or equivalent to 1,098 patients.
"The ministry has taken various drastic and urgent action including to maximise capacity and admit all patients who needed treatment.
"Existing wards have been upgraded and improved in terms of facilities, equipment, ensuring the best level of healthcare services can be provided to the patients," he said.
In terms of manpower, Shafiq said as of Aug 11, 27 additional healthcare personnel were mobilised to strengthen HTAR's operations.
Charles in his letter said the situation at HTAR had remained dire even after his surprise visit with Health Minister Dr Adham Baba about two weeks ago.
Other constraints identified include a limited number of ambulances to pick up patients. Shafiq today said HTAR had since last month received at least one modified ambulance bus for its use.
He said HTAR management has also improved the level of cleanliness at its Emergency and Trauma department as well as addressing complaints highlighted by Charles on delays in food served to patients.
Meanwhile, he said families of Covid-19 patients admitted to HTAR are now able to receive updates through a special hotline in operation since July 30.
In early July, the government had announced RM1.1 million worth of supplies for HTAR, including 60 beds and additional equipment that the ministry did not specify.
Overall, Shafiq said HTAR had from January to July received a total of RM9.25 million from RM57.3 million emergency allocations for procurement of ventilators, beds, infusion pumps, blood glucose machines, patient monitors and other devices.
The allocation was part of resources channelled to Klang Valley hospitals which are under immense pressure to cope with record-high numbers of positive Covid-19 cases. - Mkini
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