One nurse for 14 patients: MB flags Johor's healthcare worker shortage
He said he and Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon recently carried out a spot check at Hospital Sultan Ismail, the second largest specialist hospital in the state.
"The reality is very worrying. The shortage of healthcare workers in major hospitals involves various critical categories, including specialist doctors, medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses, and other support staff," he said in a Facebook post.
He said the increasing work pressure not only affects the morale of the staff but also impacts the quality of treatment received by patients.
"For example, in some wards, a nurse has to manage more than 10 to 14 patients in one shift, compared to an ideal ratio of 1:6 or a maximum of 1:8. This situation is not only unfair to the staff but also unsafe for patients if left unaddressed in the long term."
Onn Hafiz said the state was concerned over the situation and would continue to provide support where it could. Additionally, he said the state government will raise the issue with the Health Ministry and related departments.
"I will personally appeal for the immediate filling of healthcare positions in Johor without compromise."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
HTAN additional block 90% complete, set for February 2026 opening
KUALA PILAH: The construction of an additional block at Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital (HTAN), previously stalled due to pandemic disruptions, is now nearing completion. With over 90 per cent of work finished, the project is expected to be fully operational by February 2026. Originally slated for completion in August 2024, the RM153 million project faced delays primarily due to labour shortages during the Movement Control Order (MCO). Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan, a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health, confirmed the revised timeline after a site visit. 'The contractor acknowledged delays exceeding 90 days last year, mainly because workers could not return after the MCO,' said Adnan, who is also Kuala Pilah's MP. The addition of an Infectious Diseases Ward further extended the timeline. Spanning 1.7 hectares, the six-storey block will add 144 beds, increasing HTAN's total capacity to 458. The facility will house upgraded departments to enhance healthcare services for local residents. Adnan urged the Health Ministry to expedite staffing preparations to ensure seamless operations post-completion. - Bernama
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
South Korea medical students end 17-month class boycott
Some 8,300 students are expected to return to school, but no specific timeline has been provided. - AP file SEOUL: Thousands of South Korean medical students are set to return to classrooms after a 17-month boycott, an industry body told AFP on Monday (July 14), ending part of a standoff which also saw junior doctors strike. South Korean healthcare was plunged into chaos early last year when then-president Yoon Suk Yeol moved to sharply increase medical school admissions, citing an urgent need to boost doctor numbers to meet growing demand in a rapidly aging society. The initiative met fierce protest, prompting junior doctors to walk away from hospitals and medical students to boycott their classrooms, with operations cancelled and service provision disrupted nationwide. The measure was later watered down, and the government eventually offered to scrap it in March 2025, after Yoon was impeached over his disastrous declaration of martial law. "Students have agreed to return to school," a spokesperson for the Korean Medical Association told AFP Monday, adding that it was up to each medical school to decide the schedule for student returns. The Korean Medical Students' Association said in an earlier statement that the students had reached this decision because a continued boycott "could cause the collapse of the fundamentals of medical systems". Some 8,300 students are expected to return to school, but no specific timeline has been provided. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok welcomed the decision, calling it a "big step forward" in a Facebook post Sunday, adding President Lee Jae Myung was deliberating ways to solve the issue. In addition to the student boycott, some 12,000 junior doctors went on strike last year -- with the vast majority of them still declining to return to work. Lee -- who took office in June after winning snap elections following Yoon's removal from office -- had said on the campaign trail he would seek to resolve the medical strike. The increase in medical school admissions led to a record number of students re-taking the college entrance exam in November in a bid to capitalise on reforms that made it easier to get into coveted majors. - AFP
Sinar Daily
10 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Aged 100, Dr Mahathir discharged from hospital and recovering after birthday fatigue
SHAH ALAM – A celebration by the lake, a tandem bike ride and crowds of admirers marked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's 100th birthday celebration on July 13. However, the former prime minister began to feel fatigued and had to leave the event earlier than expected. Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday celebration on July 13 was marked by festivities and admirers until fatigue forced him to leave earlier than expected. This led to a brief hospital stay that triggered public concern, but officials and family members were quick to clarify his condition. A milestone celebration cut short The birthday picnic, held by Putrajaya Lake near the Perdana Leadership Foundation, honoured Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali's 99th birthday. Over 500 people gathered for the potluck-style event, bringing food and gifts to share with well-wishers. Dr Mahathir arrived at 7.45am, having driven himself to the location. He later joined a tandem bicycle ride with his personal security officers, completing a distance of around eight to nine kilometres. Though initially cheerful, the ride took its toll. 'Yes, Tun was truly fatigued. So he left the event early and is now resting. His condition is okay, but he has been advised to rest and is currently at National Heart Institute (IJN),' his aide Sufi Yusoff said around 10am that morning. Observed at IJN, home by evening Dr Mahathir was admitted to IJN around 10am on July 13, purely as a precautionary measure after showing signs of exhaustion. By 4.45pm, he was discharged and allowed to return home. His son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, later clarified that his father had no serious health issues. Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday celebration on July 13 was marked by festivities and admirers until fatigue forced him to leave earlier than expected. 'This morning, he went straight into quite a long ride, so he felt a bit fatigued. But after having some breakfasts, kuih and coffee, he felt refreshed again,' Mokhzani said. He also clarified that Dr Mahathir had a busy few days, including a gala dinner the previous night and limited rest, which contributed to his tiredness. Despite his early departure, the event left a strong impression on attendees, many of whom were eager to honour Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister. Dr Mahathir's personal message: "Alhamdulillah, I am now recovering" On July 14, Dr Mahathir posted a video update on his Facebook page, showing him leaving what appeared to be his home, heading to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for lunch and greeting people who stopped him for photos. In the video, he appeared relaxed, even having a conversation with a young boy. 'Assalamualaikum and warm greetings to everyone. I sincerely apologise for having to leave early from yesterday's picnic, which was attended by thousands. "I was feeling extremely fatigued and needed to rest, following the advice of my doctor to visit the hospital. 'I did go, but only for a brief check-up before returning home. Alhamdulillah, I am now in recovery and under the care of my doctor. I am gradually returning to my normal routine, including resuming work. I truly hope you will understand my absence yesterday. Thank you,' he said in his Facebook post. Despite his age, the two-time prime minister remains active, engaging in public and political matters. His recent health episode shows the natural limits of age, but also his determination to keep going. His brief hospital visit was precautionary, not critical and he is already back to his routine, an impressive feat for someone who just turned 100. This latest moment serves as a gentle reminder that while public figures like Dr Mahathir are admired for their resilience, even the strongest among us must take time to rest. For many Malaysians, his presence even if brief, was still a gift.
