PETALING JAYA: A 62% drop in medical officers at Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s Orthopaedic Department has been identified as the main reason for long waiting times at its clinic, says the Health Ministry.
It said investigations showed the shortage was caused by permanent officers being transferred, some leaving to pursue postgraduate studies, and others resigning without replacement.
It added that available medical officers and specialists are also required to rotate between wards, operating theatres, and clinics.
“With the limited workforce, only five medical officers and seven specialists are assigned to the clinic, which sees between 150 and 300 patients daily.
“As most cases are complex, consultation times are longer, leading to extended waiting periods,” the ministry said in a written reply in Parliament yesterday.
Discussions with hospital staff also suggested that communication with patients on waiting times could be improved.
“If waiting is prolonged, patients or next-of-kin can be offered the option of rescheduling appointments or receiving a prescription until the next date,” it added.
The ministry was responding to Sabak Bernam MP Kalam Salan who had asked about investigations into claims of a six-hour wait at the hospital’s orthopaedic clinic, which went viral on social media.
Kalam also queried if the ministry planned to expand its electronic appointment system and improve patient flow management at public health facilities.
In response, the ministry said an appointment system had been introduced via the MySejahtera app on Jan 1, 2023, covering 17 types of health services.
“The ministry also intends to extend the appointment system to hospital specialist clinics to reduce congestion,” it said.
