KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) has responded to a recent viral post by a woman describing unsatisfactory conditions at the hospital.
In the post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) @anifaresailema also said her ailing grandfather encountered unsatisfactory conditions at the hospital.
She also alleged that he was denied the right to receive first-class ward treatment at the hospital.
In a statement issued today, HSA director Dr Sal Atan said the hospital could not accommodate the pensioner due to the temporary closure of the first-class ward for upgrading works.
He added that the upgrading works, which began in 2022 involved electrical and mechanical works in two buildings, the main building and the L&D building, which is expected to be completed in 2025.
"The notice to inform about the upgrading works has also been placed at the hospital premises.
"However, the hospital management takes the issue seriously and strives to improve the worn-out facilities, while monitoring the facility conditions in the hospital for the comfort of patients and hospital staff.
"Maintenance works by concessionaire companies is also a constant concern and will be monitored from time to time," he said.
Previously, a woman had expressed her dismay as her ailing grandfather, a retired government servant, reportedly encountered unsatisfactory conditions at a government hospital.
She contended that despite his entitlement to a first-class room based on years of service, they were told rooms were at full occupancy.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @anifaresailema, she felt that the treatment her grandfather received was less than what he deserved, given his years of dedicated service as a customs officer.
Following this, Dr Sal said the ward appeared crowded as it had exceeded the amount of beds due to the increase in patients.
He added that the ward reached a bed occupancy rate (BOR) of 110.12 per cent from Jan to Oct, this year.
"The ward appears crowded because the official beds in that ward are 39 beds at any given time.
"However, due to the increase in patients requiring treatment, the total number of operating beds in the ward has been increased to 44 beds.
"The ward has also reached a BOR of 110.12 per cent from Jan to Oct 2023."