ISKANDAR PUTERI: More than half of the 2,271 approved positions at Hospital Pasir Gudang (HPG) remain vacant, says Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said only 929 positions or 41%, have been filled so far, leaving a manpower shortage of about 59%.
“Despite the staffing constraints, all 14 specialist clinics and clinical services at the hospital are already operational and the public is seeking treatment there.
"These include the emergency department, surgery, paediatrics and orthopaedics,” he told reporters during the state assembly sitting recess here yesterday.
Due to insufficient manpower, he said only 157 beds in nine wards at the 14-ward hospital are operational, despite having a total of 304 beds.
“We are in discussions with the Health Ministry to send more medical assistants, doctors and nurses to help with operations.
"We are targeting all beds to be fully operational by September this year,” he said.
On April 30, when opening the assembly meeting, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim highlighted staffing and equipment shortages at HPG, which must be resolved immediately.
On a separate issue, Ling said details of the proposed appointment of five unelected assemblymen to the legislative assembly have yet to be discussed.
The MCA Youth chief added that any such appointments would require the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who is also the Johor Ruler.
The state government is expected to table the proposal during the state legislative sitting on Thursday.
Ling also took the opportunity to brush aside criticism of the proposal from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah.
“PKR had accepted appointed assemblymen in other states. Before criticising the Johor government, he should look at his own party first.
"In Pahang and Sabah, they have accepted appointed assemblymen as well,” he said.
On Monday, Puah, who is also Johor PKR vice-chairman, said the proposal was “a direct challenge to democratic principles”.
The 56-seat Johor legislative assembly comprises 40 Barisan Nasional assemblymen, 12 from Pakatan Harapan, three from Perikatan Nasional and one from Muda.
