KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has criticised the lack of on-call healthcare staff at the Kiulu Health Clinic in Sabah.
This issue was highlighted on social media recently.
He said this situation should not have happened.
"A heartfelt thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.
"This should not have happened. The assigned officers failed to perform their duties for public welfare," he said in a post on X.
A social media post that went viral recently showed a notice board at the clinic stating that there were no on-call staff due to workforce shortages and contract terminations.
The notice indicated that there would be no on-call staff from Dec 23 to Dec 29.
Dzulkefly said the issue would not affect the clinic's daily operation as other staff, including medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses and drivers, would be on duty in that period.
He said an additional assistant medical officer had been sent to the clinic to ensure the on-call schedule would be unaffected.
On-call staff are supported by emergency services, which can be reached through the Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (MERS999).
"The ministry's services, including emergency services through MERS999, are always available for those in need," Dzulkefly said.