Several problems can be solved by communicating better with patients: Health Minister

Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Jamsheed has said that order is often lost at healthcare facilities when patients lose their temper due to how they are addressed by staff.

In response to a question by Sun Online, Dr Jamsheed said that regardless of the quality of services provided at a healthcare facility, the bad experience of even one patient can result in serious problems, and adversely affect the entire island or country.

He said that 80 percent of the problems in the healthcare sector can be solved if patients are addressed with more compassion.

Dr Jamsheed highlighted that the standard of services provided currently by doctors and nurses is good, and said that people would appreciate these services even more if such negative activities can avoided.

“We have to keep in mind that patients are usually worried. They don’t go to the doctor for fun. We have to provide patient-focused services,” he said.

Referring to problems and complaints in relation to salaries of employees in the health sector, Dr Jamsheed said that payment of salaries is often delayed due to difficulties faced by the Finance Ministry.

He acknowledged that delays in salary payment can result in difficulties for employees, but assured that every employee has been paid his due salary.

“Problems with receiving salaries should not affect their work. That should not be the attitude of health sector employees,” he said.