SIBU: Hospital Sibu's ophthalmology clinic is urgently in need of specialist and medical officers.
"I won't say the situation is critical but (is) urgent if no action is taken," said a source to The Star on Tuesday (June 27)
The source said this in response to a notice in the hospital informing the public of the shortage of these medical staff.
The notice read: "The ophthalmology clinic Hospital Sibu is currently experiencing a shortage of specialists and medical officers (1 specialist, 6 medical officers). The waiting period will become longer, and patients are requested to be patient while waiting. This issue is likely to persist until there is an addition of specialists and medical officers. If there are any dissatisfaction or complaints, please raise them to the appropriate channels. The ophthalmology clinic of Hospital Sibu apologises for the difficulties encountered. Thank you."
According to the source, the shortage is caused by staff who resigned due to work pressure. There were also those who left to work elsewhere after getting their master's degree.
The source said the number of doctors who left this year was more than in previous years. In January this year, 10 doctors had resigned, six in mid-May and one in June.
This shortage of medical staff, the source said, was "a normal" occurrence every year.
"Every year we are facing this cycle (of people coming and leaving). It is normal. However this year it is a bit worrying as there are many more people leaving. We need to do replacement as soon as possible. We hope to find replacements in a month's time," he said.
The source however warned that it would not be easy to find a replacement for eye specialists as not many people could become one.
