TO solve the problem of overcrowding in emergency departments the Health Ministry (MOH) has introduced short-stay wards in hospitals that have excess space, said its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the initiative has been implemented in several MOH hospitals and it was proposed that ward criteria be improved to reduce waiting time especially for patients in the yellow zone.

Patient bed management will be streamlined so bed occupancy can be regulated and better managed, she added.

“The increasing number of patients and shortages faced by the MOH, including in terms of manpower and facilities, have worsened the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments. This must be addressed comprehensively.

“Short-, medium- and long-term solutions must be drawn up immediately together with all stakeholders, for the sake of the people and the national health sector,” she said in a statement today.

She said her ministry will continue to examine collaboration models with government agencies, state governments, civil society groups, and the private sector so the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments can be dealt with effectively.

She said outsourcing to and collaboration with the private sector had helped immensely at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that such collaboration models would be further looked into, including cooperation with private general practitioners.

“The digitisation of the health service system also needs to be emphasised. MOH will continue to upgrade the existing information and communication technology system to a digital one that has the potential to overcome existing problems,” she said.

Dr Zaliha said efforts to increase manpower, including doctors, nurses, assistant medical officers, pharmacists, allied health professionals, support staff and others will continue to be pursued.

The ministry will work with the Public Service Department and Finance Ministry to resolve this issue in the medium and long term, she said. – Bernama, January 22, 2023.