Health Minister: Findings of HSA fire will be tabled in Cabinet
JOHOR BARU (Bernama): The findings of the investigation into the fire at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) here two years ago will be tabled to the Cabinet before being released to the public.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said the investigation was conducted by a special committee under the Cabinet, and therefore, any findings should be presented to the Cabinet first for approval.
“I am sorry for I am sure that all parties are looking forward to the report and disclosure today but I have no power to disclose the findings. It should be presented to the Cabinet before being disclosed,” he said when commenting on the waiting of many parties regarding the results of the investigation.
Dr Dzulkfely was speaking at a press conference after a working visit to the Permai Hospital here on Sunday (Nov 25).
The fire in the ICU ward on Oct 25, 2016, killed at least six patients who were undergoing treatment while another patient was saved.
Following the incident, Health Minister at that time, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam appointed a special committee in December 2016 to get a full fire report and it was backed by the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said several improvements have been made to HSA since the occurrence of the fire.
This included replacing the capacitors and ballast for critical and non-critical locations, increasing the number of existing fire extinguishers, upgrading the ‘hose reel’ system in the main building and repairing the fire warning system in some buildings including that housing the royal ward.
Additionally, the ministry had also approved RM29.77mil for the installation of sprinklers, wiring, upgrading of lightning-trap systems and others in the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11).
“It’s among the current status on HSA. On whether the ICU will be restored to its role as before or otherwise, is still being discussed and there has been an initial recommendation for it. Anyway, we’ll tell you later, “he said.
On another issue, Dr Dzulkefly expressed his willingness to investigate allegations that there were beauty centres offering illegal teeth whitening services in the country.
“However, to date, there are no information or complaints about teeth whitening treatments at dental clinics which endanger health.
“But since we have already found out about this, we will monitor and follow up with action,” he said when commenting to a report by a local newspaper claiming that some beauty centres in the Klang Valley were detected offering illegal teeth-whitening services.
Dr Dzulkefly said the teeth whitening product was controlled by the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, the Ministry of Health based on the percentage concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
Therefore, consumers wishing to get teeth whitening treatments were asked to do so with registered dentists.
This year, three Annual Practice Certificates had been withdrawn by the Malaysian Dental Council due to ethical misconduct and others. – Bernama
Source: TheStar
