Parti Amanah Negara has urged the Health Ministry to conduct serious research on all old hospitals and health clinics to make sure the specifications laid down by Fire and Rescue Department are followed.

The call came after the department confirmed earlier today that six victims were found dead following a fire that broke out at the intensive care unit at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru this morning.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub who visited the hospital said this should include exits from the emergency ward which are seen to be limited and narrow, filled with medical equipment, resulting in difficulty of handling many patients during an emergency.

“Re-wiring at old hospitals should be in accordance with Tenaga Nasional Berhad specifications and conditions.

“I hope this incident will be an eye opener for all parties. The debate on the budget at the Dewan Rakyat at present should be utilised by federal lawmakers to ask for more allocations for hospitals,” he said in a statement today.

Salahuddin said Amanah Johor had visited the victims and monitored the rescue operations at Sultanah Aminah Hospital and is presently looking into the needs of the victims involved.

“We express regret and our deep condolences to the families of the victims,” he said.