HEALTH Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam has proposed three short-term suggestions to be considered by the state Health Department and the Penang Hospital to reduce congestion in the hospital and to improve its cardiology services.
He proposed that the hospital’s outpatient department, now located in the hospital, be shifted to an area outside the hospital.
“The outpatient department can be located at an area with a high population density.
“It will be easier for the rakyat to receive treatment,” he told a press conference after visiting the three-storey Penang Maternity Hospital in Sepoy Lines Road and the Penang Hospital yesterday.
Dr Subramaniam also proposed a low-risk maternity centre be set up, so that those with low-risk delivery could be housed there.
He also asked the state Health Department and Penang Hospital to re-prioritise their requirements for next year.
“I have asked them to see if they can accommodate the request by the cardiology department to have another cardiology intervention laboratory, by re-prioritising their funding given by the Federal Government,” he said.
He added that projects with low priorities could be considered in 2016 instead.
Dr Subramaniam also said that it was timely to look into integrating government hospitals here.
He also mentioned the need to improve services in public clinics.
“Patients can get fairly comprehensive outpatient services in government clinics too.
“Those seeking outpatient treatment do not need to go to government hospitals to receive treatment,” he added.
source:The Star