Photo: Bernama
TANJONG KARANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has urged the public to be more sensitive towards the plight of those suffering from mental health problems.
“Individuals who are physically fit need not be mentally fit.
“Hence, I urge everyone not to ostracise or stigmatise those who face mental health problems such as depression and acute anxiety," Sultan Sharafuddin said in his royal address at the launch of the Tanjong Karang Hospital here on Thursday (Feb 9).
People suffering from mental health issues must also be rendered the appropriate treatment just like those suffering from physical ailments with everyone helping out in the healing process, said Sultan Sharafuddin.
“I also urge those facing mental health issues to refer to medical professionals to get the necessary treatment," he added.
The Sultan also added that he wanted senior citizens and people with special needs to be accorded attention in matters regarding their health and comfort.
The Ruler also wanted healthcare services rendered in hospitals to have a good management system administered efficiently so that it could increase the healthcare capacity in Selangor.
Sultan Sharafuddin added this included maintaining the hospital equipment and infrastructure to ensure that they are in good condition and able to provide high-quality service to the people.
Earlier in his royal address, Sultan Sharafuddin said he was happy and thankful that the Tanjong Karang Hospital, which started operations on Oct 10 last year, has been completed.
“With this hospital, the people in the vicinity can receive access to better and more effective healthcare.
“The new hospital provides specialist medical services and this will help patients receive specialist treatment here as opposed to having to depend on the Sungai Buloh Hospital," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
He added the opening of the maiden surgical theatre in the hospital also can expedite waiting time for patients in need of urgent surgery.
“My hope is that with the completion of this hospital, the people’s burden will be eased, especially in the Kuala Selangor district," said the Ruler.
The Sultan said Selangor now has more than seven million residents and given this, there was a need for additional medical facilities with up-to-date equipment in many areas in the state.
“Therefore, I urge the Health Ministry to look at the overall needs of the health facilities in Selangor.
“I have been informed that people have to wait very long at the hospitals’ emergency departments before being admitted to wards.
“The waiting time for surgeries, as well as follow-ups, also takes months,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler asked for the facilities in hospitals and health clinics to be prioritised with the number of doctors and nurses increased.
“Hoping the Health Minister will take action on this matter," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
Also, at the event were Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The construction of the RM269 mil Tanjong Karang Hospital was approved in 2013 under the 10th Malaysia Plan to replace the 57-year-old Tanjong Karang District Hospital.
