KUCHING: A specialist from the Sarawak General Hospital here will be posted temporarily to Hospital Sibu's ophthalmology clinic as part of measures to address the shortage of doctors there, says state Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck.
He said the specialist would be posted for two weeks each month from July until September while awaiting the permanent posting of an ophthalmologist in October.
"The number of medical officers will also be increased from July with two contract doctors, followed by three more in August.
"This will bring the total number of medical officers to 10," Dr Ooi said in a statement late Thursday (June 29) night.
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He added that currently, one specialist and five medical officers were serving at Hospital Sibu's ophthalmology clinic.
The Star had reported on Tuesday (June 27) that the clinic was urgently in need of specialists and medical officers.
This followed a notice in the hospital informing the public of a longer waiting period owing to the shortage of medical staff.
It also apologised for the difficulties encountered and advised patients to raise any complaints through the appropriate channels.
Dr Ooi said the notice was issued as a preemptive step to reduce dissatisfaction among patients who had to wait a long time, especially those with appointments.
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He said Hospital Sibu's ophthalmology clinic was experiencing an increase in the number of patients, with 1,446 in April and 1,601 in May.
"Meanwhile, the percentage of patients who were examined in less than 60 minutes fell from 75% in April to 65% in May.
"Moreover, the waiting period to undergo cataract surgery after examination increased from two months to three or four months," he said.
Dr Ooi added that the state Health Department took a serious view of issues involving patients.
"We will ensure that the best treatment is given to all patients and strive to improve the quality of our services," he said.
