Government hospitals are the cheapest option a Malaysian has for medical care. So, without a doubt, there will be lots of people at a government hospital, which results in a longer waiting time.
However, The Star reported that the Penang Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD) has come under fire lately for putting up a notice that says,
“The estimated waiting time to meet the doctor is 6 hours, please remain patient.”
Source: The Star
Mind you, this is the EMERGENCY & TRAUMA DEPARTMENT, so understandably, lots of people went on social media to vent out their dissatisfaction on 29th September.
A Facebook user said that with the 6 hours, she can drive all the way down to the Kuala Lumpur and back to Penang while still being able to make it in time to see the doctor.
Another user said that the issue could have been caused by a shortage of doctors or medical staff.
Source: Buletin Mutiara
However, the hospital has clarified the matter, Penang Health Department director Dr Asmayani Khalib, said the ETD (Red Zone) receives about 400 patients daily but more than 50% of them are NOT emergency cases.
The notice that they put up was actually used at the Green Zone, which applies to non-critical cases. As there was a surge in patients on the night of 29th September, they had to put out this notice but the personnel forgot to take it down after the peak hour has passed.
Dr Asmayani Khalib said, “We wish to apologize for this matter and the state health department is committed to providing quality care at the hospital and welcomes feedback to improve its service quality.”
Penang health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin added,
““Patients can seek treatment at other public health clinics instead of crowding the ETD, which is meant for critical and emergency cases.”
Ahhhh, so it was all just a misunderstanding! What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments!
Also read: “RM214 for SURGERY!” Sarawak Lady Astonished How Affordable Malaysian Gov Hospitals Actually Are
