Deployment of Locum Doctors Begins at HSI Emergency Department – Exco

The Johor State Government has begun deploying locum doctors at the Emergency Department of Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) starting last night, as part of an immediate measure to address the shortage of medical personnel and high patient load.

State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon said the move serves as an initial response to the severe manpower constraints that have affected emergency care efficiency, particularly in major hospitals across the state.

“We are aware of the heavy burden on healthcare workers, especially in the Emergency Department. The deployment of locum doctors is a swift action by the state to accelerate treatment and reduce waiting times,” Ling said in a statement today.

He added that the state government welcomes more qualified and experienced emergency doctors to join the initiative, as their presence would ensure higher-quality care and potentially save more lives.

During an unannounced visit to HSI last night, Ling observed that the Red Zone, which is designated for critical cases and typically holds only six beds, was overwhelmed with 12 patients, putting immense pressure on staff.

HSI’s Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Johor, handling an average of over 300 patients daily due to its proximity to densely populated residential and industrial areas.

Ling explained that priority is given to Red (critical) and Yellow (semi-critical) Zone cases, which often results in non-critical (Green Zone) patients facing longer waiting times.

To help alleviate this issue, the hospital has agreed to gradually place locum doctors in shifts, with one currently scheduled each night from 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight. This initiative is also being planned for Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in Johor Bahru.

According to Ling, the presence of the on-call locum doctor last night already made a positive impact by speeding up patient consultations in the Green Zone.

This action follows the command issued by Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Acting Sultan of Johor, urging the Federal Government to urgently fill vacancies in the healthcare sector amid severe congestion at major hospitals in the state.

The Crown Prince also expressed serious concern over the critical conditions at HSA, HSI, Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim in Kulai, and other affected healthcare facilities due to staffing shortages.

— BERNAMA