RM1mil boost for HKL to ensure best service

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) has received a RM1mil boost from the government for asset procurement as well as to improve its inventory to ensure the best service for people in the Klang Valley, says the Health Minister.

Dr Zaliha Mustapha said the 150-year-old hospital managed about 50,000 in-patient services at its wards each year, which reflected the commitment of its staff.

“Actually, the hospital requires more than RM1mil but we have approved that amount for the purpose of asset procurement and inventory,” she told reporters after a visit to the hospital yesterday.

She said her ministry is also considering a special allocation to HKL for the digitalisation of patients’ records.

It was revealed during a briefing by HKL director Datin Paduka Dr Rohana Johan that the hospital is relying on manual methods to store about 16,000 patients’ data in a day. This is kept at Wisma Kayu.

Dr Zaliha said digitalisation would help ease the burden of HKL management in storing data and to manage it more efficiently.

Asked about the government’s plan to attract private general practitioners to join the initiative to extend operation hours at public health clinics, Dr Zaliha said the ministry could only encourage them to participate.

“When we extend the hours, we need more help,” she said.

Earlier, Dr Rohana briefed the minister on efforts taken to reduce congestion and overcrowding at HKL. This included ensuring patients get a bed at the ward as soon as possible, said Dr Rohana.