Ministry secretary-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah said the bed occupancy rate for coronavirus patients at the hospital, which is categorised as a state referral and Covid-19 hybrid hospital, is currently at 154.73%, equivalent to 1,098 patients.

“The existing wards have been upgraded and will be improved in terms of facilities and equipment to ensure the best health services and treatment can be provided to patients,” he said in a statement today.

Shafiq was responding to a letter from Klang MP Charles Santiago on Aug 11 and a media report on the current Covid-19 situation at the hospital.

He said that in terms of human resource needs, until Aug 11, a total of 27 additional health workers were mobilised at the hospital and the appointment of permanent and contract staff was expedited to help address the surge in patients.

Shafiq said from January to July, the ministry had approved an additional allocation of RM57.3 million under emergency procurement, specifically for medical equipment such as ventilators, patient beds, infusion pumps, blood glucose machines, patient monitors and other essential needs.

Of the total, HTAR received RM9.25 million, he said.

In addition, Shafiq said the hospital received an additional 151 beds from the ministry last month. Another 200 beds and 30 ventilators would be delivered early next week.

“HTAR also received medical equipment as donations from non-governmental organisations, multinational companies and individuals,” he added.

On hygiene at the hospital’s emergency and trauma department, Shafiq said the frequency of daily cleaning was increased while the preparation and delivery of food for patients was according to a newly adjusted schedule.

Effective July 30, he said the ministry had set up a helpline at the department to enable the next of kin to obtain the latest information on the status of their family members.

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