Hospitals Safe, Says Health Minister

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Thurs. – Government hospitals are safe from

hospital-acquired infections.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said today, the public should not

worry about seeking treatment or visiting government hospitals, as

cleanliness and safety there meet international standards.

Commenting on a New Straits Times report that hospital staff and

patients were exposed to hospital-acquired infections as only a few

hospitals had the equipment to clean the air in their buildings, he said

it was not cost-effective to provide sterilised air to an entire hospital.

“Even in operating theatres, the most advanced technology can only

achieve a sterile environment at the operating zones, which is adequate,”

he said after visiting the Bukit Mertajam Hospital.

(The NST report on Tuesday was drawn from interviews with several

health ministry officials, who have since re-confirmed the information.)

The report said the lack of air-sterilising equipment was taking a toll

on the health of those at the hospital.

While admitting the risk of infection, Dr Chua said standard operating

procedures, guidelines, training, good hygiene practices and continuous

supervision to minimise this had been put in place.

He said the ministry had taken additional measures to ensure the safety

of patients and staff by installing UV sterilisers in ICUs and CCUs.