KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 -- An average of 7,000 complaints over poor services and facilities filed with the Health Ministry annually sees it paying out a whopping RM20 million in compensation.
Citing Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, the New Sunday Times reported today that the complaints range from poor services or communication skills among the doctors and nurses, long waiting time for treatment to and insufficient equipment.
To overcome the problem, the ministry has introduced several policies to improve healthcare services that include opening up “simulation lab” in nursing colleges.
“With the simulation programme, the nursing students could enhance their soft skills which will enable them to deal with patients and public more efficiently even while under pressure or stressful situation.
“Apart from that, the students are also given the exposure to the community services through the Ziarah Kasih programme where they will go to the ground and provide medical assistance to those in need at the village,” Dr Hilmi was quoted saying.
