The Ministry of Health (MoH) takes note and pays serious attention to complaints and feedback regarding the unsatisfactory condition of first class wards’ facilities, Minister of Heath Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said.

He said this in response to a question by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md Salleh bin Haji Othman regarding discomfort at first class wards, during the Second Meeting of the 21st LegCo Session yesterday.

The minister said the MoH has always paid attention to the quality of services and facilities of all wards in government hospitals, including first class wards where patients are charged according to the existing rates.

The hospital has identified several issues in first class wards, such as damaged or missing equipment, furniture requiring replacement and issues with hot water supply, he said.

He said the hospital is working to carry out repairs and ensure minimal disruption to patients.

The hospital will continue to take proactive measures in the care and maintenance of assets such as the enhancement of first-class ward quality whereby improvements and upgrades to the facilities in first class wards will be carried out, the minister said.

He said over the past year alone, over 45 television sets in wards and clinics of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital have been repaired, while an additional 31 units are undergoing repair.

Meanwhile, more comfortable and modern furniture and facilities will be provided to ensure patient comfort is aligned with the value of the fees charged, the minister added.

He said, “Regular monitoring and auditing with a special ad hoc team has been established to regularly monitor the facilities and amenities in first class wards. This approach is intended to ensure that asset maintenance is carried out systematically and proactively, rather than being solely dependent on reports of damage or complaints.

“As an improvement initiative by the ministry to streamline the process of lodging complaints and maintenance needs, each room will be equipped with a guide and official procedure for providing feedback to the management.

“The ministry is in the process of outsourcing Facilities Engineering Management and Maintenance Services (FEMS), which involves comprehensive engineering maintenance of assets, including facilities in first-class wards. The tender process for this service is underway.

“Through these measures, it is hoped that the quality and environment of the wards, including first class wards, will continue to be improved and meet the expectations of patients and their families.”

He also reminded the public that the facilities provided are for shared use and must be treated with care.

“The irresponsible usage may lead to damage and affect the comfort of others. Therefore, to ensure that the comfort provided is in line with the fees charged, shared support and responsibility are crucial in maintaining and enhancing the service”.

He also revealed that a benchmarking assessment comparing first-class ward charges with neighbouring countries has been conducted, to ensure that the charges in Brunei are reasonable and aligned with the services provided.

In Brunei, the charges for a Class A1 ward (single room) is approximately BND175 to BND325 per day, while in government hospitals of neighbouring countries, the charges for a Class A ward (single room) ranges from approximately BND360 to BND720 per day, the minister said.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)