Johor govt urges Health Ministry to urgently address healthcare worker shortage

The Johor state government has formally requested the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Health (KKM), to swiftly resolve the severe shortage of healthcare personnel affecting hospitals across the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi estimates that approximately 2,000 additional staff members are required to adequately operate key facilities like Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI), and Hospital Pasir Gudang (HPG).

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There is one thing that truly worries me, and that is the shortage of healthcare workers at HSA. I am concerned that the burden they carry today is already too heavy, even though HSA is one of the main referral hospitals receiving thousands of patients from all over Johor every day.

Ghazi expressed deep concern over the current workload placed upon healthcare professionals at HSA, describing it as excessively burdensome. He emphasized that HSA serves as a primary referral hospital, admitting thousands of patients daily from throughout Johor. The Menteri Besar appealed to KKM for immediate attention and consideration, urging them to prioritize addressing the staffing deficit at this crucial institution.

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Therefore, I humbly request immediate consideration and attention from KKM so that the issue of staff shortages in this hospital is given priority.

He further explained that the insufficient number of healthcare workers has resulted in existing staff taking on excessive duties to ensure patient care and public health. This strain has reportedly led many to resign due to the overwhelming demands of their jobs. Ghazi implored the federal government and KKM to fulfill the Johor state government's request for adequate staffing.

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This has caused many to 'resign' because they cannot withstand the workload they have to go through to save lives in Johor. So, to the federal government, especially KKM, please fulfill the request of the Johor state government.

Addressing the frontline healthcare workers directly, Ghazi conveyed profound gratitude for their resilience and dedication to serving the public. He acknowledged the immense difficulty of their roles and pledged that the state government would continue advocating for the necessary support to alleviate their burden. During his visit, Ghazi also highlighted ongoing improvement efforts at HSA, including the planned 'decanting' of the Emergency and Trauma Department to the Maternity and Labor & Delivery units starting in early August to facilitate electrical system upgrades. Additionally, a nearly RM159 million project to upgrade the hospital's main electrical supply and related systems is underway to enhance safety and quality of service.

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To all frontline health workers, thank you infinitely for continuing to persevere for the people. No matter how tired, no matter how weary, they still choose to show up and continue to serve. I realize and am humbled that this job is indeed not easy. We will not stop fighting for everything that is needed so that you do not continue to carry this burden alone.