Penang Hospital acts to cut emergency wait times after viral video shows overcrowding

The Penang Health Department (JKNPP) is taking action to address overcrowding and long wait times at the Emergency and Trauma Department of Penang Hospital (HPP) following a viral video that highlighted the issue. In a statement, Penang Health director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah acknowledged the concerns raised and apologized for the inconvenience, particularly for elderly patients and those with special needs.

To provide immediate relief, the department is upgrading space in the HPP Outpatient Department block to expand treatment areas and streamline patient flow from the Emergency and Trauma Department, with the project expected to be completed by the end of the year. This short-term measure aims to create a more comfortable waiting environment for patients.

Dr Zulhizzam explained that patient management is based on a triage system, prioritizing critical cases immediately, followed by high-risk cases and non-critical cases, which helps reduce wait times. However, during peak periods, particularly when there is a surge in critical cases, patients in the Green Zone may have to wait longer.

For the longer term, the Women and Children Block, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will include a larger and more comfortable Emergency and Trauma Department, while another block for specialist clinics and wards is planned for completion in 2029. The department also encourages individuals with mild, non-emergency symptoms to seek treatment at nearby health clinics to help alleviate congestion at HPP.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.