KUALA LUMPUR: Overcrowding at government healthcare facilities has become a significant issue, with over 70 per cent of the nation's population relying on their services.
"This is evident in both our government health clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) and specialist outpatient clinics in hospitals," said Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira in an interview with the New Straits Times today (Oct 24).
His comments come after Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed disappointment over the critical conditions at the Gelang Patah health clinic, which has been described as dilapidated and overcrowded.
Dr Kalwinder said that the lack of essential equipment, such as computers, ultrasound machines, and diagnostic tools, significantly affected the quality of care and contributed to longer wait times.
"This is something that needs urgent attention, and actions to address these deficiencies should be expedited," he said.
He also said that high usage of facilities entailed substantial maintenance, particularly for older buildings that had endured years of wear and tear.
Dr Kalwinder also highlighted the importance of parking availability at public health centres, pointing out that a lack of parking could create major inconveniences, especially for disabled individuals, senior citizens, expectant mothers, and parents with young children.
Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the recent budget increase for healthcare in 2025.
"We are pleased to note that the government has doubled the budget for upgrading government clinics nationwide from RM150 million to RM300 million," he said.
On Monday, Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that the state government was preparing a proposal for refurbishments at the Gelang Patah Health Clinic, along with plans for constructing a new health clinic in the area.