MOH: 2.3k waiting for cardiothoracic surgery, some up to 7 months

The Health Ministry said 2,293 patients are waiting for cardiothoracic surgery in public hospitals, with some facing a seven-month wait.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this in a written parliamentary reply to Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin yesterday.

As for paediatric cardiothoracic procedures, the minister said there are 603 elective cases currently, with an average waiting time of 21 months.

“Seven hospitals run by the Health Ministry offer cardiothoracic surgery.

“As for paediatric cardiothoracic, we still refer their cases to adult specialists, apart from referring to the National Heart Institute, as our paediatric cardiothoracic specialists are still undergoing training,” Dzulkefly said.

According to the Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre, cardiothoracic surgery includes treating coronary artery diseases, heart failure, and heart defects, among others.

Over 9k cataract patients

On cataract surgery, the minister said there are 9,233 patients still waiting for their turn, with an average waiting time of three months.

He added that 56 hospitals run by the Health Ministry offer such treatments.

As for kidney stone cases, Dzulkefly said there are 2,661 patients on the waiting list, with an average waiting period of 11 months.

“Thirteen hospitals run by my ministry are offering treatment for this condition under our resident urology specialists,” he added.

The minister assured that the cases mentioned involved elective cases, with those having emergencies being treated as soon as possible without compromising patient safety.

To reduce the waiting period, Dzulkefly said his ministry has rolled out several initiatives, such as expanding the scope of cluster hospitals and placing more surgeons in hospitals without a resident specialist.

“In addition, we are also strengthening collaborations among agencies and the private sector to reduce the waiting period.

“One example is the establishment of the Hospital Selayang-Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Cataract Care Centre to reduce the waiting time for cataract patients,” he added.

Health minister defends private wings at public hospitals plan

Govt plans to expand 'private wings' in public hospitals - minister

Parallel pathway: Doctors, MMC agree to put suit on hold

Two doctors in parallel pathway lawsuit get job offers abroad