SIBU: The government is taking immediate steps to resolve the shortage of medical officers at Hospital Sibu, particularly anaesthetists and intensive care unit (ICU) staff, following intervention by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing expressed his gratitude to Dzulkefly for personally addressing the issue, ensuring that necessary measures are being taken.
"In a statement in Parliament, he assured that the shortage of anaesthetists and ICU medical officers at Sibu Hospital would be addressed as soon as possible. He has instructed the Director-General of Health and the Deputy Director-General (Medical) to take the necessary actions," said Tiong in his Facebook posting on Friday (February 28).
He commended Dzulkefly’s hands-on approach, highlighting the Minister’s visit to Sibu, during which he inspected the Hospital and three health clinics—Lanang Health Clinic, Jalan Oya Health Clinic, and Sibu Jaya Health Clinic—to personally assess the situation.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement of a RM9.1mil allocation to improve Hospital Sibu.
This includes RM1.3mil for upgrading and purchasing medical equipment and RM7.8mil to resolve the hospital’s ceiling mould issue.
"I sincerely thank the Minister for announcing the RM9.1 mil allocation to optimise Sibu Hospital," he said, adding that he had consistently raised concerns about the hospital’s shortcomings in Cabinet meetings.
Additionally, under the 13th Malaysia Plan, a new hospital building will be constructed at Hospital Sibu, increasing the number of beds by 340.
Plans are also in place to build a new Jalan Oya Health Clinic to address capacity issues at the existing facility.
To further enhance healthcare services, Tiong revealed that he is engaging with the private sector to procure or lease advanced medical equipment for Hospital Sibu.
"The hospital must have the necessary tools to offer better healthcare services to the public," he emphasised.
The improvement projects will commence once the necessary procedures are completed.
