Seven upgraded Melaka health clinics to offer better services to people

MELAKA - Dilapidated and crowded buildings, as well as a lack of facilities that has resulted in patients having to endure a long waiting period at seven health clinics in Melaka, are set to be resolved by the end of October as the upgrading work at the premises is expected to be completed.

In a recent media report, State Health director Datuk Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman said that the RM3.15 million upgrading project focused on health clinics that are more than 30 years old since these healthcare facilities require improvements to meet the needs of the expanding population in the respective areas.

The seven health clinics involved are Peringgit Health Clinic in Melaka Tengah, Felda Bukit Senggeh Health Clinic, Kemendor Health Clinic and Umbai Health Clinic in Jasin, as well as Alor Gajah Health Clinic, Durian Daun Health Clinic and Durian Tunggal Health Clinic in the Alor Gajah district.

According to Noraishah Aiman, 40, the upgrading work can improve public health accessibility, particularly for the less privileged and individuals residing in areas far from major healthcare facilities such as hospitals.

The housewife, who frequently seeks treatment at the Peringgit Health Clinic, said that it was time for the healthcare facility and six others to undergo upgrades due to the increasing numbers of patients.

"These healthcare facilities, like the Peringgit Health Clinic, serve as an alternative to the Melaka Hospital for minor cases. While it handles a significant number of patients, I wouldn’t say it’s bad, but improvements would greatly enhance patient comfort, especially in the waiting area,” she told Bernama.

Meanwhile, Nazri Abu Bakar said he hoped that the upgrading work would help reduce overcrowding in public hospitals in the state.

Apart from that, the civil servant said it would reduce costs and travel time to the main hospital for patients.

"Rural residents can have better and improved healthcare services similar to what is enjoyed by urban communities. Upgrading these health clinics is the best step, and it fulfils the basic needs of any community,” he added.

Dr Arshad Ismail, 58, a former medical practitioner, believes that the upgraded facilities will indirectly boost the morale of the medical personnel working there.

"For doctors and nurses attending to hundreds of patients every day, they will find some relief from their fatigue with an improved workspace.

"They won’t have to worry about things outside their job scope, such as leaking roofs or insufficient patient seats,” said Dr Arshad, who previously worked in a northern state health clinic.

However, he hoped the upgraded health clinics would have adequate manpower to deal with the high number of patients.

"With enhanced facilities, more patients will come. Therefore, it’s important to also consider having enough doctors and nurses, since one of the main reasons for establishing these health clinics is to reduce overcrowding in main hospitals,” he added. - BERNAMA