SEGAMAT: Segamat Hospital is not facing closure despite a viral social media post claiming it would cease operations on July 1 due to severe staffing shortages.
The online posting, which sparked public concern, alleged that the hospital would stop accepting referrals from clinics this month before shutting down completely in July because of a shortage of doctors and healthcare personnel.
It also framed the purported move as a sign of a broader collapse within the public healthcare system.
However, information obtained by the New Straits Times suggests the issue relates to efforts to manage patient loads within the hospital's Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) services.
A doctor attached to Segamat Hospital, who declined to be named, said the facility remained operational and discussions centred only on referrals involving certain O&G cases from outside Johor.
"It is not a closure issue.
"What is being discussed involves referrals for certain O&G cases from hospitals outside Johor that are frequently sent to our hospital.
"The concern is that if patient numbers continue to increase while manpower and facilities remain limited, it could create operational challenges and affect service delivery," the doctor said.
The doctor said the hospital's O&G clinics and wards were currently operating at near-optimum capacity following a high volume of referrals from neighbouring hospitals in Pahang and Negri Sembilan.
Patients from Muadzam Shah in Pahang, as well as Tampin and Gemas in Negri Sembilan, may instead be advised to seek treatment at hospitals within their respective states.
For instance, cases from Muadzam Shah could be referred to Kuantan, while patients from Tampin and Gemas may be directed to hospitals in Seremban.
The doctor said the arrangement was similar to existing referral practices within Johor, where patients requiring more specialised treatment are transferred to larger facilities, including Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru.
The NST contacted caretaker state Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad for clarification.
Ling said he was awaiting a comprehensive report from the hospital before commenting further, while Dr Mohtar confirmed that an official statement would be issued soon.
Until then, health authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary anxiety among patients and their families. - NST
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