Public healthcare system under serious strain
JOHOR BARU: Public healthcare workers in Johor are under severe strain, with nurses reportedly caring for over 10 patients per shift – far exceeding the ideal nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:6, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said serious manpower shortages, particularly in major hospitals in Johor Baru, are placing immense pressure on the state's healthcare system.
'The shortage of healthcare personnel across key categories such as specialist doctors, medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses and support staff is a pressing concern.
'This is affecting not only the morale of our frontline workers but also the quality of care delivered to patients,' he said in a Facebook post after visiting Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) with state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon yesterday.
Onn Hafiz cited instances where nurses were tasked with caring for 10 to 14 patients per shift – well above the recommended ratio of 1:6, or at most 1:8.
'This situation is not only unfair to our medical staff but also poses a serious risk to patient safety if left unresolved,' he warned.
He emphasised that the state government is treating the issue with urgency and will continue to support the healthcare sector through improved facilities and additional medical resources.
The matter, he added, would also be raised with the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies.
Onn Hafiz said he would personally appeal for the immediate filling of vacant healthcare positions in Johor, stressing that this must be done without compromise.
He also expressed his gratitude to all healthcare workers for their continued dedication and service, assuring them that the state government remains committed to building a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.
His remarks come just days after Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail called on the Federal Government to expedite the filling of vacancies in the health sector to address the severe overcrowding at several major hospitals in the state.
The Regent voiced concern over the critical situation at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, HSI, Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim in Kulai and several other facilities struggling with staff shortages.
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