KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has advised both hospital personnel and visitors to be more courteous and respectful when it comes to the privacy of patients.
Such call has come in response to a recent case where a staff member of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is suspected of taking and distributing obscene photos of patients there.
“We want people to understand and refrain themselves from invading the privacy of patients,” Abdul Karim said when met after a ‘Program Ziarah Kasih’ at the hospital here yesterday.
He was also informed during a briefing by SGH that the alleged personnel is currently under internal investigation and would face disciplinary action if found guilty.
Meanwhile, a total of 115 hampers were distributed to patients at SGH Radiotherapy Unit, its Pillative Care Ward and Ambulatory Ward during the programme yesterday, organised by the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) together with the hospital and state government.
Abdul Karim said the programme was aimed at bringing Chinese New Year cheer to the patients.
“Every year, Jasa will hold such programmes during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations,” said the Asajaya assemblyman, adding that it also provided the opportunity for Jasa and its counterparts to foster closer rapport with the less fortunate.
Meanwhile, Jasa acting director Datuk Abu Talib Harun said the department would also conduct similar programmes at selected old folks home across the state.