SHORTER WAITING TIMES AT GOVT CLINICS PRAISED, SOLUTION NEEDED FOR STAFF SHORTAGE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The government’s initiative to reduce waiting times at government health clinics from three hours to just 30 minutes through the digitalisation of key services reflects its strong commitment to safeguarding public welfare and well-being.

Members of the public met by Bernama at several health clinics nationwide shared the view that the new system allowed them to experience faster and more efficient health services.

Last Monday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reported as saying that the Ministry of Health (MOH) had successfully reduced waiting times for treatment at government clinics from three hours to 30 minutes through the implementation of digital transformation initiatives in the public health sector.

A young mother, Nor Azlin Muhammad Samsuri, 23, described the government's move to introduce the digitalisation system as timely in light of current demands, highlighting that the initiative not only saved patients time but also enhanced the quality of healthcare services.

“I remember taking my one-year-old toddler to a health clinic when he had food poisoning, and we waited for four hours even though we arrived at 8.30 am. I get that the health clinic is always full, but the long wait left me worried about my child’s health.

“I’m really happy with the improvements made, but I hope the government can address the staff shortages at health clinics so the digital system can have an even bigger impact,” she said when met at the Ampang Health Clinic near here today.

Lim Mei Ling, 78, expressed her gratitude for the implementation of the initiative, describing it as a caring effort that prioritised the welfare of the people, especially the elderly and individuals with special needs.

“This (initiative) is very good and should’ve been done long ago. I hope the government can also improve the appointment process at health clinics and implement (such initiatives) at government hospitals,” she said.

In TERENGGANU, Che Ku Ibrahim Tuan Manis, 71, a diabetic patient from Kampung Kebor Besar near Kuala Terengganu, said he used to wait at least two hours before getting treatment due to the large number of patients.

Che Ku Ibrahim, whose wife had passed away, said that the long waiting times had made his health worse, as he had to sit for long stretches and needed assistance from his children.

“Sometimes, I even have to sleep in a wheelchair. I really hope this short waiting time continues, so those who can’t afford private clinics can still get the treatment they need,” he said when met at the Manir Health Clinic.

Meanwhile, housewife Siti Juhaida Kamaruddin, 32, from Kampung Banggol Tuan Muda, hoped the ministry would expand the initiative to government hospitals, particularly in the emergency units.

In PERLIS, a Bernama check at the Kangar Health Clinic found that the registration counter was operating smoothly, without any congestion, and patients did not have to wait long to see a doctor.

Tan Siew Eng, 73, who went to the clinic for a health check-up, said that the registration process and queue to see the doctor were fast, and she was satisfied with the services at the government clinic, which now prioritised patient comfort.

“I came alone, and today the process was really quick. In just 30 minutes, I was able to see a doctor for a cholesterol check-up. By 9.30 am, the check-up was done, and now I’m just waiting to pick up my medicine,” she said.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, a check at the Seremban Health Clinic found that the waiting time to see a medical officer was less than an hour, and patients waited no more than 10 minutes for medication at the Pharmacy Unit, which had six counters, including one dedicated to the elderly and persons with disabilities.

According to Maisarah Abd Rahim, 28, who arrived at the clinic at 9 am, she waited just 45 minutes for her blood tests and medication.

S. Selvi, 45, from Taman Bidara, who came in for treatment at 9.20 am, completed her visit at around 10 am.

In SARAWAK, locals believe that several aspects of the public health service system, particularly at government health clinics, could be improved to enhance the quality of services.

Clerk Erine Ernest, 51, who frequently seeks treatment at the government health clinic, said that the average waiting time was around half an hour to an hour, depending on the number of patients, but the examinations were usually completed quite briefly.

“Sometimes examinations are not carried out by doctors but by medical assistants. So, I suggest that the government hire more medical officers to improve the quality of health services in this country,” she said.

Rahman Yahaya, 56, a storekeeper, agreed, noting that increasing the number of professionals would enhance the quality of treatment.

In SABAH, a check at health clinics in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan in Sabah found that the waiting time for registration or screening was around 30 minutes. However, longer waiting times for treatment remained a key issue that needed attention to improve services for the public.

Construction contractor Mohd Suffian Jamaluddin, 38, from Penampang said that, based on his experience, the delay in treatment was not caused by registration or screening but by the shortage of health workers, particularly doctors and medical assistants.

Therefore, he suggested that the Ministry of Health (MOH) identify the optimal workforce requirements for health clinics, particularly doctors.

A nurse in Kota Kinabalu, who only wished to be known as Anne, 49, said the main issue patients faced at the health clinic was the long waiting time for treatment, adding that the number of staff was insufficient to handle the number of patients.

“Most of the patients understand our situation and aren’t upset. We do our best to provide the best service with what we have, even though the shortage isn’t an excuse for not giving the best care,” she said.

-- BERNAMA