SHAH ALAM: The Health Ministry is planning to add 500 new ambulances at hospitals and clinics nationwide by end of next year in a bid to improve the healthcare delivery system and pre-hospital care service.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the distribution of ambulances would be done in stages, to address the issue of shortages faced at some medical facilities.
“Currently, there are some 2,000 ambulances nationwide. The addition of new ambulances will help meet the needs of the hospitals and clinics by at least 80 per cent,” he told reporters after launching the new specifications ambulance and new fleet delivery at Shah Alam Hospital here today.
Dr Subramaniam said paramedics would be trained to reach into the community and attend to patients to ensure efficient and comprehensive patient care.
He also said that the new fleet of ambulances (comprising of narrow-bodied and wide-bodied) would be equipped with better facilities and security features.
“One of the ministry’s initiative is to boost pre-hospital care service to become an independent unit that will always be ready to respond to any medical emergencies be it at home or on the road.
“We no longer want to have a situation where patients are merely transferred to hospitals without being checked on.
“We want to optimise our emergency medical care service and patient care system. Hence, under the improved pre-hospital care service, medical assessment and care begin from the time the ambulance arrives, prior to the arrival of patients at a medical facility.
“A lot can be done while patients are being transported, which could safe many lives and reduce long term health effects, such as organ damage.”
A total of 26 high-tech ambulances were delivered to Selangor, Federal Territory health departments and Kuala Lumpur Hospital at the event today.
Meanwhile, Selangor Health Department director Datuk Zailan Adnan said continuous support from the Health Ministry in terms of providing ambulances has helped with its service delivery since the state handles many emergency calls.
“Klang, Shah Alam and Banting are our busiest operation zones, receiving almost 25 per cent of the total number of calls made to the Selangor Medical Emergency Coordination Centre.”
On an unrelated matter, Dr Subramaniam said the Health Ministry plays a pivotal role in fulfilling any medical needs during the upcoming Sea Games.
“Emergency medical care will be on standby at all venues. We will be operating from Selayang Hospital and Kuala Lumpur Health Clinic.” he added.