By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 27: A virtual consultation between the medical social work officers and patients who are unable to attend follow-up consultations at the treatment facility is a great idea to put into action.
This was stated earlier today by Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in his speech before officiating the ‘25th Malaysian Medical Social Work Officer Conference’ at a hotel here.
“It is necessary to consider the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, in which medical social work officers were unable to interact directly with patients due to an infectious disease outbreak.
“Patients’ health and welfare must be maintained by continuing to provide services using the most up-to-date methods and technology.
“The Ministry of Health (MOH) also assists the medical social work officers profession in improving work processes by developing a comprehensive ‘Patient Information System’ capable of producing quick and easy reports and statistics that benefit both medical social work officers and patients,” he said.
Meanwhile, MOH Medical Social Work Officers Profession chief Abd Halim Jamil, told reporters at a press conference that the virtual consultation system is still in the approval process because it is handled by the MOH.
“The system is actually to make it easier for us, particularly in Sarawak, to receive feedback from patients who live in the interior and cannot afford to travel to the hospital,” Abd Halim explained.
Additionally, Aaron, who is also the Kanowit MP, mentioned that a proposal to increase the number of medical social work officers in the country and Sarawak will be submitted for consideration as part of the Health White Paper drafting.
“I will raise the issue of the shortage of medical social work officers to the Health Ministry, with the country experiencing a shortage of 325 officers nationwide and 30 in Sarawak.
“The ministry is concerned about the need to increase the number of medical social work officers in hospitals, health institutions, and clinics.
“It is undeniable that the existing number of officers at 280 across the country is insufficient to handle all the patients facing psycho-social issues, with such cases increasing every year,” he asserted.
Moreover, Aaron highlighted that the MOH is now shifting from ‘sick care’ to ‘health care’ with the drafting of the Health White Paper to keep up with the latest social development, and he hoped the services of medical social work officers will be in line with that of the ministry.
“In a multidisciplinary approach, the process of treatment, recovery, and prevention for patients is conducted together with other professions but it will not be complete without the involvement of medical social work officers,” he added.
He continued stating that the services of medical social works have been incorporated into the National Health Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
A mock cheque worth RM220,180 was also presented today during the officiating ceremony to provide financial assistance to patients in hospitals across the State.
Also present were Malaysia Social Development Officers (Medical) Association president Harolhanam Mohamed Wahid, organising chairman Hamzah Bolhan, and directors of hospitals. — DayakDaily
