How to Seek An OutPatient Treatment at Government Clinic
What have you heard so far about Getting an OutPatient Treatment at Government Clinic?
When is the last time you have been to Government Clinic?
Are you happy with the Treatment Received so far?
Due to inflation, increase price in every essential items have effect all of us. Increase in Medical cost is no exception in this case.
For a normal Cough and Sore Throat problem, the out patient in Private clinic cost could easily be around RM30.00.
Normally if you an employee, your medical cost is covered as a part of employee benefit.
What about for those who are Self-Employed or Not Working?
What are the other options that are available should they need to seek Out Patient Treatment?
Yes.
Government Clinic.
My skin got rashes and decide to seek treatment at Government clinic.
It cost only RM1 for getting an Out Patient Treatment at Government Clinic which include consultant and medicine.
This only apply to Malaysian as foreigner would pay difference rate as the cost is fully subsidize.
What is the process like when Seeking an Out Patient Treatment at Government Clinic?
PROCEDURE FOR OUTPATIENT CARE
1) Register yourself at Registration Counter by giving your Identification card(Mycard) to the staff and wait for the number.
This take about 5 minutes
2) Once you get the number and wait for doctor consultant.
3) When reach your turn, a doctor would give you consultation
4) Doctor will write a prescription
5) Submit the prescription to pharmacy counter and take a number
6) Pharmacy dispense the medicine
7) Done! 😀
I went to the clinic at 10:00am and finished of by 11:30am. Total One hour and the half.
The duration is depend on the crowd.
Maybe there were a lot people in the morning as I see people asking for Medical Certification(MC).
The next round I will try go in the afternoon.
The opening hour for Outpatient Treatment at Government Clinic:
Monday to Thursday
8.00 am – 1.00 pm
2.00 pm – 9.30 pm
Friday
8.00 am – 12.15 pm
2.45 pm – 9.30 pm
Saturday
8.00 am – 12.15 pm
(Closed on Sunday and public holidays)
I would say the Government Clinic has improve a lot compare to in the past.
There are still more room for improvement like shorter Queue and waiting time etc.
I truly hope the Government would strive to live up to the slogan “One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now (Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan).
Do You know Malaysians can get dental checks Easily as the fee charged for dental checks is only RM1 while for filling is only RM2?
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Malaysians must get regular dental checks
KUALA LUMPUR: Adult Malaysians should get periodical dental checks once or twice a year while children should get them once every six months for early detection of any dental problem, said Kuala Lumpur Deputy Director of Health (Dental), Dr Ahmad Bujang.
He said given the dental status situation of Malaysians now, getting periodical checks was important, as early treatment was more effective when there was early detection of problems.
“During the checks if a person does not have problems the person can get preventive dental service. “The preventive dental treatment is a proactive step to prevent dental disease, for as we all know, prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Dr Ahmad was commenting on a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Senior Director of the Health Division (Dental), Datuk Dr Norain Abdul Talib, on Nov 15 stating that only 6% of adults out of 28 million Malaysians used government dental services and half of that percentage being school students.
Asked if the cost of treatment was among reasons adults did not get dental treatment, Dr Ahmad said that was not a main factor.
He said people should not grumble about high cost as now they can get treatment all over the country for as low as RM1.
“In government dental services, cost is not a factor in ensuring Malaysians get dental checks as the fee charged for dental checks is only RM1 while for filling is only RM2,” he said.
Besides that there is no appointment for government dental service and it could be got at any of 615 dental clinics around the country.
People in Kuala Lumpur can get services at 14 clinics at Putrajaya, Cahaya Suria, Cheras Baru, Bandar Tun Razak, Bangsar, Petaling Bahagia, Tanglin, Jinjang, Sentul, Batu, Keramat, Setapak, Kampung Pandan and the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Jalan Semarak.
Through observation of adults, their awareness of dental health care may be less compared to children as the latter get more exposure to dental health care in school.
As an example, the Kuala Lumpur Dental Service had carried out a campaign of dental health care through the Trainee Teachers Dental Health programme.
Among activities in the campaign were dental checks and talks, and a workshop to prepare plans for daily education and role play related to dental health.
Through the campaign, trainee teachers are exposed to the importance of dental health and become effective agents in promoting it among students. This differed from adults who took it lightly and only go to clinic when the problem is critical.
This opinion was supported by the president of the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association, Dr Jaspall Singh, who said there were people who refused to come for treatment as their problems had become critical and they began to think of the cost of treatment.
“They did not care earlier about their teeth and only see a doctor when in pain. “Maybe at that time it is too late, they think of the cost of seeing a private doctor and that to see a government doctor they have to wait for a long time,” he said.
He said if people practised periodic checks, costs and long waiting periods, can be avoided.
“Possibly in an early visit the teeth may only need to be cleaned or filled…a filling and a extraction process is cheaper around RM50 and RM60 but seeing a specialist could cost around RM400,” he said.
He did not discount the possibility that adults did not visit government clinics as they had to wait a long time for treatment as the clinics operated according to appointments.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Health’s dental health division, Dr Norinah Mustapha, said the government was striving to improve dental services especially in rural areas to attract more adults to get treatment.
“Till November 2009, 60.7% of dental officers posts based in rural areas had been filled and rest have yet to be filled. Clinics number 2,208 and these will be increased and upgraded from time to time,” she said.
Right now the ratio of government dentists to population is 1:15,243 while the ratio for population to both government and private doctors combined is 1:7,941
“This does not meet the target of the World Health Organisation whose target is one dentist for 4,000 people. However, with dentists graduating both locally and abroad the target ration will be achieved in 2018 (1:4,093),” she said
The government is trying to overcome the shortage by taking in retired dental officers or foreign dental officers on contract and also by improving the dental officers service scheme to encourage them to continue serving in government service.
Dr Norinah also said that the number of people who received government service increases by 3% each year. “We support campaigns like Media Talks over the radio and television with the cooperation of the Health Education Division of the Ministry of Health, setting up the MyHealth Portal which is a website where people can find out about their dental health; printing posters in the main three languages to be distributed through clinics and schools; and during dental health promotion campaigns,” she added. — Bernama
from:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/22/nation/20091122102714&sec=nation
Only RM1 treatment charge for common illnesses
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At the age of 85, retiree Quah Kok Seng still works and earns a living by doing odd jobs, which does not provide him a permanent income to help pay for medical treatment.
He is happier now that a 1Malaysia Clinic has opened near his flat at Lembah Subang, where he needs to pay only RM1 for treatment and medicine.
“It is within walking distance,” he said when met yesterday after the opening of the government-subsidised clinic by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Even if I’m healthy, you can’t expect me at my age to go through the hassle of waiting, calling for a taxi or walking so far to have my treatments.”
Malaysians can begin getting medical treatment for common illnesses for RM1 at 45 1Malaysia Clinics from today.
A total of 50 such clinics will open in a week after Najib launched the first one in Lembah Pantai yesterday.
The 1Malaysia Clinics offer treatment for common illnesses like fever, cough and cold, and follow-up treatment for well-controlled diabetes, hypertension and asthma as well as dressing and stitch-removal procedures.
Opening hours are between 10am and 10pm to better serve those who work office hours.
Sundry shop owner S. Selvaratna, who lives near the Lembah Subang branch, could not believe that a clinic had opened near her place.
“There are no buses passing by here, so every time we need to go to a clinic, we have to pay at least RM10 for taxi and then about RM20 to RM30 for a simple flu treatment,” said the 33-year-old.
Proton factory worker Zakaria Jusoh, 31, said he was relieved at the opening of the Lembah Subang branch.
However, he said his wife Norhayati Zulkifli wished there were facilities to treat pregnant women and children as well.
Family Health Development director Dr Safurah Jaafar, who coordinated the set-up of the clinics in two months, said the clinics not only provide treatment but also help people understand healthy diets and lifestyles.
She said an assistant medical officer, a staff nurse and an assistant health officer with at least five years’ experience would staff each clinic. “Doctors from the nearest clinic or hospital will also make a visit once a week to audit, evaluate and ensure the clinics are maintained well,” she said.
from:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/8/nation/5435368&sec=nation
Good to see improvement on Public health care
SMS to cut hospital wait
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The Health Ministry is introducing an SMS-based system to notify patients of their appointments to reduce queues at hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the pilot project had been implemented at the Mamodiah Outpatient Clinic here.
The queue management and appointment reminder would also send out an SMS when there are five patients before their turn.
“We are still fine tuning the system and once the kinks are ironed out, we will start implementing it at medical facilities with high patient rates,” he said, adding that the project was carried out in collaboration with Celcom.
“This system will also allow for updated statistics for hospital services in the country. Through the system, we will be able to monitor the number of patients, the illnesses they are being treated for, and even the duration at the various departments within the hospital and clinics.”
Liow said at present only 70% of local hospitals had achieved the 30-minute waiting limit set by the ministry last year.
“Although there has been progress, we hope that technology can help us further reduce patients’ waiting time,” he said after a briefing on the system here yesterday.
At another event, during the groundbreaking for a new block of the Southern College in Skudai, Liow said the ministry would propose a new Act to govern traditional and complementary medication (T&CM) at the next parliamentary seating.
“The Act would help to ensure the safety and quality of T&CM and help the industry to grow locally,” he said.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/12/nation/5454316&sec=nation
Multi-ethnic settings vital for 1Malaysia clinics
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YAYASAN 1Malaysia (1Malaysia Foundation) commends Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s Government for implementing 1Malaysia clinics in different parts of the country. For now, 44 out of the 50 clinics earmarked for the first phase of the programme have begun operations.
Aimed at providing quality primary healthcare to the urban poor, these clinics will be located in the less advantaged areas of the city. The paramedics who will manage the clinics will attend to minor ailments for which they are trained under the supervision of a doctor.
More importantly, a patient will be charged only a Ringgit per visit to any 1Malaysia clinic. Since these clinics provide service to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, their role could help in a small way to strengthen the idea that the needs of all Malaysians will be taken care of in a fair and just manner.
To the extent that it is possible, 1Malaysia clinics should be located in multi-ethnic settings. The paramedics staffing the clinics should also come from different ethnic backgrounds if possible.
If 1Malaysia clinics target directly the perennial question of social justice and address indirectly the complex challenge of ethnic integration, there is no reason why doctors should not volunteer to involve themselves in this excellent community based initiative.
We are told by the Director-General of the Health Ministry Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican that the ministry, which is managing the programme, has enlisted a group of doctors in the public and private sectors who will see 1Malaysia clinic patients that require urgent attention.
In addition to this, Yayasan 1Malaysia feels that the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) should encourage its members, especially those living and working in the vicinity of these clinics, to set aside three or four hours a week to work with, and perhaps even guide, 1Malaysia paramedics.
This free, voluntary work on the part of the MMA doctors could be considered public service of a high order, and should be recognised as such by state and society.
While the 1Malaysia clinic is a significant milestone in the endeavour to improve the quality of life of low-income denizens of urban Malaysia, the Government knows that there is much more to be done to raise the dignity of the poor and marginalised in our midst.
DR CHANDRA MUZAFFAR
Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Yayasan 1Malaysia.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/12/focus/5449051&sec=focus
Good idea but get private clinics to help out
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SETTING up 1Malaysia clinics is a good idea but there must be strict criteria. There will be more harm than good if there are no doctors present unless the Hospital Assistants are allowed only to give first aid, do nursing care work such as dressing and dispense medications prescribed by qualified doctors.
One way out I can think of is for the Government to allow some selected private clinics to help out by allowing them to see those poor patients but obtained their drugs from the government clinics.
Governments in the past have been closing down private clinics without doctors attending full time because of the harm this can do, which I do agree, but why the double standards as we are now establishing government clinics without doctors?
Some doctors, I am certain, will be willing to help the Government by seeing patients sent by government clinics and sending them back to obtain medicine from the government clinics.
For these poor patients, the doctors can just charge a nominal fee to cover the overhead and give free service to those who really cannot afford.
To avoid abuses, the Government can screen such patients at the 1Malaysia clinics and give them a note to see the GP and then go back for their medicine.
Doctors are mainly against the establishment of government clinics without doctors not because of the potential loss of earnings.
It is because it will do more harm to patients and is also unethical.
I have personally seen many diabetics and hypertensive patients, who obtain medicine from government clinics not manned by doctors, with serious side effects which could have been avoided if these patients were properly cared for by qualified doctors.
The Government should also give GPs a break as they already have a tough time with the implementation of the Private Health Care Bill. Although I am not a GP, I always believe that General Practice (Family Medicine) is a very important discipline, which is unfortunately getting less and less popular.
DATUK DR LEE YAN SAN,
George Town.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/12/focus/5446262&sec=focus
1Malaysia clinics to go ahead without docs
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The 1Malaysia clinics will operate without doctors, and patients with serious illnesses would be referred to polyclinics and government hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said although he understood the concerns of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the country was facing a shortage of doctors.
“It is our intention to have doctors at all clinics. But we do not even have enough doctors in hospitals. This does not mean the people should be deprived of medical services. Medical assistants and nurses can help out here,” he said.
MMA president Dr David Quek had expressed concern over the 1Malaysia clinics.
He said they should be manned by registered medical doctors, as clinics run by medical assistants and nurses could lead to a poorer standard of healthcare.
Liow said he met with MMA representatives on Jan 8 to address their concerns.
“The MMA and the Government have the same objective, which is to improve the standard of health services,” he added.
“We are short of doctors, even in hospitals and the big clinics. So doctors, and also locums, will be posted there. 1Malaysia clinics are only for illnesses such as coughs and colds.
“Patients with more serious illnesses should go to hospitals and polyclinics.
“We will stick with the first 50 and evaluate their performance. Forty-four have begun operating, and the remaining six will be opened by the end of the month,” he said, adding that the delay was due to renovation work.
Liow was speaking to reporters after handing out RM2mil each to the Tung Shin Hospital and the Chinese Maternity Hospital yesterday
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/13/nation/5457191&sec=nation
More bite from March for national dental health care
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The Health Ministry will launch a nationwide dental health awareness campaign in March.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a survey by the ministry found that 60% of 12-year-olds had dental caries (tooth decay or cavities), with the number rising to 75% among those aged 16 and 90% in adults.
He said this was despite the fact that Malaysia boasted comprehensive dental care services, including preventive efforts like free screening and educational programmes in pre-schools and schools.
He said the ministry had similar preventive programmes for the elderly and special children.
“The high number of people with dental problems is a cause for concern.
“Checks among children as young as six have found that 70% of them have dental caries.
“At that age, it is not too worrisome because their permanent teeth have not grown yet, but the lack of care continues as they grow older and we want to change this,” he said, adding that the campaign would be carried out in collaboration with the Malay-sian Dental Association (MDA).
Liow was speaking at a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from the Chinese Stomatological Association (CSA) delegation here yesterday.
He also said Malaysia was looking to increase the number of dentists it produced annually, from the current 250 to 800 over the next few years.
The aim, he said, was to change the current dentist-to-population ratio by 2018 from the current 1:7,840 to the World Health Organisation standard of 1:4,000.
On the CSA visit, he said it was to enhance collaboration between Malaysia and China in dental care.
CSA president Prof Dr Wang Xing led the delegation, which is in Malaysia to attend the International Dental Federation (FDI)-MDA Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition starting tomorrow.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/16/nation/5483270&sec=nation
1Malaysia clinics no threat to private clinics: PM (Updated with full list)
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said private doctors need not worry that their earnings would be affected by 1Malaysia clinics.
He said this was because the 50 1Malaysia clinics set up nationwide would concentrate on giving patients normal medical examinations like checking blood pressure level for hypertension, and sugar level.
“Actually, they (private doctors) will not be affected because the cases from here (1Malaysia clinics) will be referred to them for further examination or treatment, or the patients will then go to the government hospitals.
“So, I do not regard this as a win-lose situation but actually a win-win situation … it’s easy for the people while the private clinics will receive patients as usual,” he told reporters after launching the Kerinchi 1Malaysia Clinic in Lembah Pantai here Thursday.
The prime minister was replying to a question on the concern voiced by the Malaysian Medical Association (MAA) over the existence of 1Malaysia clinics as they felt it could affect their income.
He said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai would hold a dialogue session with MMA members to assure them on the matter.
However, he stressed that 1Malaysia clinics were established solely for the benefit of the people.
“It is all for the interest of the rakyat (people) who are our No 1 concern … this is what the Government stands for,” he said, adding that there were already 44 1Malaysia clinics in operation nationwide.
Najib said establishing the 44 clinics within two months was a record for the Health Ministry under the 2010 Budget, as the target of setting up 50 such clinics was almost met within such a short time.
On the proposal to increase the number of 1Malaysia clinics, he said the Government would evaluate the need based on the public response and the effects of the new approach in expanding public healthcare.
“If the response and effects are good, the clinics will possibly be increased … but let us evaluate first as 50 (clinics) is a big number. And we also need to determine the effectiveness of these clinics and this new approach. From there, we can decide,” he said.
Najib said most of the 1Malaysia clinics were located in town areas as outside urban areas were 2,000 rural clinics which had existed since the country’s independence.
He said the Government had allocated RM10mil for the 50 1Malaysia clinics this year, but the amount was not for the buildings but for the internal fittings and medicines only.
Earlier, Najib who is also Finance Minister, said the setting up of the clinics was truly in line with the 1Malaysia concept mooted by him, as they were open to all races, especially from the low-income group.
He said the effort was introduced and implemented by the Government to ensure that quality health services in this country could be justly, equitably and wholly accessed by the people.
“That’s the Government’s aspiration,” he added.
“And access to the service (from 1Malaysia clinics) definitely involves a minimum cost, that is, RM1 … the cheapest in the world or can be regarded as almost free.
“Besides that, patients don’t have to wait long as the 1Malaysia clinics will provide fast service. In this situation, the Health Ministry also benefits as the government hospitals will be less crowded with patients needing just basic treatment.”
Najib said the 1Malaysia clinics would operate daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm, and manned by paramedics comprising medical assistants and trained nurses.
Following is the list of 1Malaysia Clinics nationwide (date of operation in parenthesis)
PERLIS (Jan 1)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Kangar, No 6 Grd Floor, Jalan Lintasan Kangar, Taman Pertiwi, Kangar
KEDAH (Jan 6)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Bandar Puteri Jaya, No 41, Grd Floor, Jalan BPJ 1/1, Bandar Puteri Jaya, Sungai Petani
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Kota Kenari, No 208, Jalan Kota Kenari 3 shophouses, Taman Kota Kenari, Kulim
PENANG (Jan 6)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Jelutong, 116, Grd Floor, Jalan Jelutong
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Teluk Air Tawar, No 6, Kedai 1 Tingkat, Lorong Teluk Air Tawar 14, Butterworth
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Batu Kawan, No 19, Lorong Cempaka 1, Taman Cempaka, Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai Selatan
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Sungai Ara: 2A1, Tkt Kenari 5, Taman Desa Ria, Sungai Ara Bayan Lepas
(Jan 7)
5. Klinik 1Malaysia Alma Jaya, No 38, Grd Floor, Lorong Alma Jaya 11, Taman Alma Jaya, Bukit Mertajam
PERAK (Jan 8)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Teluk Intan, No 1, Taman Medan Maharaja, Jalan Kampung Banjar, Teluk Intan
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Bandar Seri Iskandar, No 32, Blok D, Bandar Seri Iskandar shophouses, Perak Tengah
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Aulong, No 51 dan 53, Jalan Medan Bersatu, Taman Medan Bersatu, Taiping
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Bercham, No 6A1 dan 10, Persiaran Medan Bercham 7, Pusat Bandar Bercham Timur, Ipoh
SELANGOR (Jan 7)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Lembah Subang, No 112 dan 113, Blok A, Taman Putra Damai, Lembah Subang, Petaling Jaya
(End of January)
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Seri Setia, Community Hall, Jalan 230, Seksyen 51 A, Petaling Jaya
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Puchong Intan, Multipurpose Hall, Jalan 1, Puchong Intan, Batu 12, Puchong
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Kota Kemuning, Sri Nevilia Hardcore Poor Housing Programme, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam
5. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Samudera, Taman Samudera, Batu Caves
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 4)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Perkasa, B01, Blok B, Perkasa People’s Housing Programme, Jalan Nakhoda Yusof, Kampung Pandan
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Kerinchi, Lembah Pantai, B01 , Kuala Lumpur City Hall Quarters, Jalan Pantai Permai 1, off Jalan Pantai Dalam
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Melati, Gombak Community Centre, Taman Melati
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Intan Baiduri, B005, PPR Intan Baiduri, Kepong Utara, Mukim Batu, Kepong
5. Klinik 1Malaysia Desa Rejang, Blok B00, PPR Desa Rejang, Setapak
NEGRI SEMBILAN (Jan 7)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Rasah Jaya, No 3773 (Grd Floor), Jalan RJ611, Taman Rasah Jaya
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Seremban Jaya, No 2294 (Grd Floor), Jalan SJ10/1, Taman Seremban Jaya
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Semarak 2 Nilai, PT 5742 (Grd Floor), Jalan TS 2/1E, Taman Semarak, Nilai
MALACCA (Jan 7)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Merdeka, Batu Berendam, No 39, Jalan M1, Batu Berendam
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Bukit Katil, 17, Jalan IKS, Bukit Katil
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Sri Pengkalan, Alor Gajah, KM 4615, Jalan Samarinda 2, Taman Samarinda, Pengkalan, Alor Gajah
JOHOR (Dec 28)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Megah Ria, No 15 dan 15A, Jalan Bayan 37/2, Taman Megah Ria, Masai
(Jan 4)
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Manis, No 392, Jalan Manis 17, Taman Manis, Kelapa Sawit, Kulaijaya, Kulai
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Stulang Laut, Blok G, Sri Stulang 1 Flat, Bakar Batu, Johor Baru
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Bandar Sri Alam, Blok A, Sri Alam Flat, Masai, Johor Baru
5. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Seri Lambak, JKKMB Hall, Taman Seri Lambak, Kluang
PAHANG (Jan 1)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Kempadang, No 2E, Lot 4629, Kampung Kempadang, Kuantan
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Padang Jaya, Grd Floor, B32, Kampung Padang Jaya, off Jalan Sungai Lembing, Kuantan
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Temerloh, No 12, Grd Floor Jalan Pak Sako 4, Bandar Sri Semantan, Temerloh
TERENGGANU (Jan 3)
1.Klinik 1Malaysia Bukit Payong, Marang, No 8216, Tkt Bawah, Permint shophouses, Bukit Payong, Marang
(Jan 6)
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Wakaf Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Lot PT30712, Wakaf Baru, Mukim Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Binjai, Kemaman, GM562, Lot 1190, Mukim Binjai, Kemaman
KELANTAN (Jan 8)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Sri Cemerlang, Lot 348, Jalan Sri Cemerlang, Seksyen 27, Kota Baru
(Jan 3)
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Jelawat, Lot 34, Bandar Jelawat, Bachok
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Pengkalan Batu, Lot 633B, Kampung Pengkalan Batu Jalan Pasir Pekan, Pasir Mas
SABAH (End of January)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Bandar Sri Indah Tawau, Lot 334, TB 15058, Batu 10, Jalan Apas, Tawau
(Jan 6)
2.Klinik 1Malaysia Bundusan Square, Lot 67, Grd Floor, Blok H, Bundusan Square, Penampang
(Jan 7)
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Sandakan, Lot 7A dan 7B, Grd Floor Blok B Bandar Leila, Jalan Leila, Sandakan
(Jan 15)
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Kota Kinabalu, Lot 37, Grd Floor, Blok E, Fasa 2 Sulaiman Sentral, Kota Kinabalu
SARAWAK (Dec 31)
1. Klinik 1Malaysia Jalan Teku, Sibu, Lot 302, Blok 7, Teku Road, Sibu
(Jan 4)
2. Klinik 1Malaysia Matang Jaya, Lot 9746, Seksyen 65, KTLD Taman Lee Ling, Jalan Matang, Kuching
(Jan 5)
3. Klinik 1Malaysia Taman Tunku, Lot 2350, Blok 5, LLD Jalan Kuching, Taman Tunku, Miri
4. Klinik 1Malaysia Sungai Plan, S/L 517, Sungai Plan, Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/7/nation/20100107101905&sec=nation
Ill-informed personnel just won’t do at clinics
THE 1Malaysia clinic is an effort by the Government to provide better healthcare service to the public, especially in rural and highly populated urban areas. Currently, there are 44 clinics in Malaysia.
However, an issue put forth by Malaysian Medical Association president has raised a valid and pertinent point. These clinics are not manned by doctors. In fact, they are managed by nurses and medical assistants (MAs).
In view of the shortage of doctors nationwide, this is as far as medical service can be provided in these clinics.
Normally, light illnesses such as the common cough and cold can be identified by medical assistants (MAs) and nurses as these are their functions during triage at an emergency department.
However, management of any illness will be brought to a doctor to assure that proper and appropriate measures are provided.
This has been the practice of medical health and treatment. The setback of having MAs and nurses at 1Malaysia clinics is their inability to identify severe illnesses which may initially be present with only mild symptoms.
At times, they could quickly progress acutely and can eventually cause death. Therefore, in the emergency departments, cases are triaged into green (mild), yellow (moderate) and red (severe) zones.
Most in the green zone are discharged with medications. Some are placed under observation and at times admissions are done based on a doctor’s suspicions of an underlying menace that may surface later.
I relate here a true case that happened in my emergency department. A toddler was seen by the MAs during the triage for cough and cold.
At the time, the child appeared to be active and cheerful and was subsequently slotted into the green zone with a waiting time of more than an hour.
During that period, the child quickly became lethargic, weak, had a seizure and eventually collapsed onto the mother’s lap. He was then quickly resuscitated and incubated but despite vigorous CPR, the child succumbed to his illness.
The paediatrics team was puzzled and after the child’s autopsy, reports mentioned of dehydration and lumbar puncture results revealed that he had suffered from Meningitis.
Although reports from the triage mentioned of an active and cheerful child, but signs such as cold peripheries, capillary refill time, poor skin turgor, dry oral mucosa and neck stiffness could have been picked up by a medical doctor.
Although this may be an isolated incident, it is a situation that opened the eyes of our paediatrics team and immediate recommendations were made to have a secondary doctor to double check paediatric cases in triage to prevent the recurrence of such a case.
As for 1Malaysia clinics, although they provide basic medical necessities, the decision for referrals or emergency medicine may not be as efficient and could prove fatal for certain medical situations.
The initiation of 1Malaysia clinics is commendable, but in time, maybe doctors should be incorporated into the scheme.
DR STANDUP,
Petaling Jaya.
fr:/thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/focus/5633069&sec=focus
MMA: 1Malaysia clinics in line with caring concept
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) lauds the Government’s move in setting up 1Malaysia clinics for the urban poor, saying it is in line with the caring concept.
However, its president, Dr David K L Quek, said that while the MMA supported better, affordable and more accessible healthcare facilities for the public, the announcement that the 1Malaysia clinics were manned by medical assistants and nurses took many doctors by surprise.
Writing in his President’s Column in the latest MMA bulletin, he said initially his personal opinion was that just 50 clinics around the country would have very little impact on any doctor’s rice bowl but he was wrong as the Government’s move had caused much anxiety and confusion among general practitioners.
“I have received, literally, hundreds of angry and condemning SMSs, and faxes and email demanding that the MMA address the issue which they felt had unfairly impacted their services. Almost every doctor who had complained believed that this approach of using clinics to be run by medical assistants and nurses was wrong in law,” he said.
He emphasised that the MMA strongly felt that all the 1Malaysia clinics should be manned by doctors in line with the Medical Act which dictated that all medical and health clinics be run only by registered doctors.
So far, the Government has set up 50 1Malaysia clinics in the urban areas to provide basic services like treating minor ailments and monitoring of diabetes and hypertension.
These clinics are manned by hospital assistants and nurses and periodically supervised by doctors.
Latest field reports indicate that these clinics are well received by the people and are becoming popular.
On the shortage of doctors, Dr Quek said the MMA believed that there was no real shortage but just a “misdistribution of resources”.
He said the MMA understood that logistical problems resulting from the reluctance of doctors to be relocated to a more rural or remote location despite improved perks remained a challenge for the Health Ministry.
Nevertheless, he added, it believed that a proper and fair deployment policy should be initiated to overcome the problem.
He said that if the 1Malaysia clinics were now part of the expanded public healthcare system, then the MMA believed that even more public sector doctors would be willing to be deployed on rotation or as part of a training initiative for an enhanced family practice or general practice vocation.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/21/nation/20100221124451&sec=nation
Good response to 1Malaysia clinics
THE 1Malaysia Clinic concept has received encouraging response from the people in its surrounding area while reducing the number of patients at government hospitals.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said in the past, many government hospitals were overcrowded with patients with coughs, colds and headaches.
“Patients seeking help for more serious ailments had to wait long for medical attention.
“With the 50 1Malaysia Clinics launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak on Jan 7 and with five of these located in the Federal Territory, those from the lower-income group are getting the medical care they need.
“It is estimated that 100,000 people from the surrounding neighbourhoods can seek treatment at the clinic in Lembah Pantai,’’ said Nong Chik, who visited the clinic recently.
The housing projects near the clinic are Pantai Permai Housing Project, Kerinchi Housing Project, Lembah Pantai Housing Project, Taman Bukit Angkasa Housing Project, Seri Pantai Housing Project, Taman Desa Kerinchi Housing Project and the Seri Pantai Traditional Village.
Besides the 1Malaysia clinic in Kampung Kerinchi, the other four are located in Intan Baiduri in Kepong, Taman Melati in Gombak, Kampung Pandan and Desa Rejang in Setapak.
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department director Dr Ismail Abu Taat said since the clinics were opened last month, about 1,000 patients visit the clinics each week.
He said patients with serious ailments would be referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital or other government hospitals.
“Mostly, we offer treatments like cleaning of wounds, checking of high blood pressure, sugar level, treating coughs and colds and giving consultation.
The clinics operate from 10am to 10 daily, seven days a week.
fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/23/central/5671134&sec=central
Doctors wanted at 162 health clinics
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry invites application from private doctors who are registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and fulfil the service requirement to serve at the 162 government health clinics nationwide.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said they could work at the clinics on “sessional” or “locum” basis and be paid RM80 per hour.
The working hours is from 8am to 5pm on normal working days (sessional), while the extended time is from 5pm to 9.30pm on Monday to Friday and 8am to noon on Saturday (locum), he said in a statement.
Those keen to apply can obtain further information and the application form by surfing the ministry’s website moh.gov.my/MohPortal/categoryView.jsp.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/4/nation/20100304114158&sec=nation
Hulu Selangor MP opens 1Malaysia clinic for Bukit Beruntung residents
RAWANG: A 1Malaysia clinic has been set up in Taman Bunga Raya as promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election campaign last week.
Newly-elected MP P. Kamalanathan visited the clinic yesterday along with Batang Kali state assemblyman Mohd Isa Mohd Kassim.
Speaking to reporters later, Kamalanathan said local residents had requested for the 1Malaysia clinic last Saturday and the clinic in Bukit Beruntung became operational within a week.
“We have given out part payments to the Felda settlers in Sungai Buaya, Najib has given the RM3mil cheque promised to SJK (C) Rasa and now this clinic has been set up,” he said.
About 25,000 residents would have access to the clinic.
Kamalanathan said the Government also planned to allocate land to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kalumpang.
“This shows that the Barisan government keeps its promises and accords fair treatment to all races,” he said.
“We must thank the Prime Minister and Health Minister (Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai) for setting up the clinic in a short time,” he said.
Kamalanathan said he had visited the electorate in Sungai Buaya, Kuala Kubu Baru, Taman Bukit Teratai, and Changkat Rasa this week and would continue with his walkabouts over the next two weeks.
Resident, S. Sulochana, 48, who sought treatment for a wrist injury, said the clinic was convenient for people living in the area.
“Previously we had to take two buses to Serendah to go to a government clinic,” she said.
An official said work on three shoplots donated by MK Holdings started on Monday and was completed yesterday to enable the 1Malaysia clinic to open .
The clinic will be manned by an assistant medical officer, a trained nurse, a community nurse and an attendant with a medical officer scheduled to make weekly visits.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/1/nation/6168244&sec=nation
Poor response to H1N1 jabs
PETALING JAYA: The poor response to the free Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine jabs is likely due to the people’s worry about the possible side effects.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said that some people might come down with fever for several days after the vaccinations.
“This could be a reason why people are not coming for the jabs,” she said.
A total of 104 health clinics are offering vaccines against H1N1 throughout the country. However, the response has been poor although the jabs are given free.
Rosnah described the public response as slow, adding that Malaysians should remain cautious as H1N1 was still prevalent.
“It is better to have protection and get yourself vaccinated,’’ she said in an interview yesterday.
She encouraged the public to check the ministry’s website to find out which health clinics offered the vaccines.
It was reported that 175,747 people had been vaccinated although the ministry had ordered 400,000 doses.
Of those who had received the jabs, about 49,727 or 28.3%. were people in the high-risk category.
The rest who were vaccinated were the ministry’s frontliners (76,613 or 43.6%), frontline staff of other government agencies such as police and immigration officers (49,407 or 28.1%).
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican also called on people in the high-risk category to get vaccinated at the 104 health facilities.
These would include people with diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart and lung diseases. Those who are obese, pregnant or intending to travel overseas should also be vaccinated.
“Although the number of people getting vaccinated has increased over the past one month, we want more to come forward,” he said.
Infectious diseases expert Dr Christopher Lee said private clinics also offerred seasonal flu vaccines covering three strains of flu including A(H1N1).
The cost is believed to range from RM60 to RM300.
As at 8am on Friday, the ministry has not received any new report on new cluster Influenza-like Illness (ILI).
So far, there are 35 confirmed A(H1N1) cases reported, which meant that total cases stood at 13,744.
The death toll remains at 81.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/3/nation/6179579&sec=nation
New influenza drug is effective, assures doctor
KUALA LUMPUR: The new trivalent influenza drug in the market is effective against Influenza A (H1N1), the Malaysian Society of Infectious Disease and Chemotherapy (MSIDC) said.
Available since March, the drug can fight against H1N1, H3N1 and Influenza B strains.
The fight against H1N1 is now included in the seasonal influenza vaccination.
“Those especially in the high-risk group are encouraged to get their vaccination,” MSIDC member Dr Christopher Lee said, adding that high risk individuals included those with underlying medical conditions as well as pregnant women, those above 65 years old and children above six months old.
At government hospitals and clinics, the vaccination for monovalent H1N1 virus strain was currently offered, he told a media conference on Annual Influenza Vaccination with New Southern Hemisphere Formulation yesterday.
Dr Lee said that based on past trends, the most common symptoms for Malaysians hit by influenza were cough, fever and sore throat and not many suffered from diarrhoea.
Asked to comment about the possibility that people might have a fever after getting the jab, Dr Lee said the vaccination was generally safe with mild side effects.
Prof Datin Dr Che Ilina Che Isahak of the Asia Pacific Advisory Committee on Influenza said the vaccine did not contain live virus.
“Even if one gets a fever from the jab, it is usually mild.”
She advised those travelling to the northern hemisphere to get the northern strains vaccination two weeks before they travel to their destination.
“The seasonal influenza jab is useful even if one gets infected with a different match. The effects would not be as bad as one who did not get a jab,” she said.
In PUTRAJAYA, health authorities were alerted of six Influenza-like Illness (ILI) cluster cases – four of them in schools – in Pahang, Malacca and Johor over the past 24 hours.
Of the cases, two were tested positive for H1N1 and were administered with anti-viral medication.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the cases were reported at SK Kemendor in Jasin, Malacca, involving six people, SM Sains Sultan Ahmad Shah in Kuantan, Pahang (nine students), SMK Tekek in Rompin, Pahang (five) and SK Cheng in Malacca (nine).
Four members of a family in Bandar Baru Uda, Johor Baru, and three members of another family in Kampung Maju Jaya, also in Johor Baru, showed symptoms of ILI, with a member from each family testing positive for H1N1.
Dr Ismail said as of Monday, 31 new cases of H1N1, including the two patients from the cluster cases, were reported nationwide, adding that there were now 606 ILI patients being treated in hospitals.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/5/nation/6189498&sec=nation
Health DG: Private hospital fees exorbitant; to be revised
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will revise the fees charged by private sector hospitals and clinics, Health Director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.
“The exorbitant fees now charged by private hospitals has been brought to my attention many times and the current schedule drawn by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) was not as comprehensive as it should be.
“As such I have made it a point to call for a meeting soon with MMA to develop a comprehensive fee schedule that was acceptable to all,” he said in a special interview published in the latest issue of the MMA newsletter.
He reminded doctors that the main reason for them to choose the profession was not merely to make money and profits, although there was nothing wrong with it, but to help the sick.
“Therefore doctors have to give a level of care that would reduce the morbidity and mortality and provide comfort to the patients,” he added.
He said doctors were respected by society because they had earned it, however, it was not their right to demand respect as it was a privilege.
Touching on the medical curriculum, he said there was an urgent need to revamp the medical curriculum in local universities to make it more relevant to the country’s current health and medical sector.
He said at present, what was being offered has been deemed insufficient for young doctors to function effectively, and added that the view was derived from a number of interviews he had conducted with primary healthcare specialists and was not satisfied with the outcome.
A related area of concern, he added, was the aspect of technology substituting the human touch.
“Doctors do not examine patients the way they used to do and they substitute it with technology,” he said.
He reminded doctors that patients came to see them because they wanted to talk to them about their problems, but doctors were too busy doing other things, and were not listening.
Dr Ismail was also concerned with the mushrooming of medical schools which was beyond the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.
“My advice to doctors and specialists in the face of this challenge is to train these young doctors,” he said.
Dr Ismail said the onus in terms of quality of young doctors was in the ability of a specialist, to train them.
“There have been many instances where housemen experienced mental anguish, depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal tendencies while undergoing training and this is no laughing matter.”
As such, he advocated a two-way assessment system where not only the specialist and doctors provide feedback, but the houseman would also be given an opportunity to provide feedback on their trainers.
On the criteria for promotion of public service doctors, Ismail said it was based on five main aspects, namely service, training, research, one’s standing in the eyes of peers and the 360 degree perception.
He explained that the 360 degree perception, meant a positive reaction and recognition from patients, students and peers which reflected upon the dedication, commitment and quality care of the doctor.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/7/nation/20100607121848&sec=nation
Muhyiddin: Performance in health exemplary
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s performance in the health sector has been exemplary and can be used as a benchmark by other developing countries, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
He said the salient features of the country’s achievements included universal access to comprehensive public health and a safety net for emergency expenditure for chronic illnesses.
“Consequently, there have been significant improvements in the health status of our population with a reduction in morbidity and mortality and an increased life expectancy,” he said at the opening of the 67th Malaysian Dental Association annual general meeeting and FDI International Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
However, Muhyiddin said the system of financing the present healthcare system could not be sustained because of numerous challenges.
The ministry was now working towards reform in the healthcare system where the role of the private sector would be significantly enhanced, he said.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/13/nation/6462501&sec=nation
Healthcare can bring RM10bil to economy, says Liow
PUTRAJAYA: The healthcare industry has the potential to contribute RM10bil to the national economy by concentrating in four sectors, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The areas are pharmaceutical, production of medical equipment, health tourism and training of specialists.
“While this will be mostly private sector-driven, my ministry will facilitate and provide expert assistance to the concerned companies.
“It will be a challenging time for us but we are all excited and ready to help realise the Government’s aim of generating more income from healthcare services,” he told reporters after presenting excellence service awards to Health Ministry staff yesterday.
The industry contributes some RM4bil to the economy.
Private healthcare is one of the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) under the 10th Malaysia Plan.
While the ministry targeted RM10bil in annual revenue by 2020, Liow said he was confident the goal could be achieved earlier.
One aim would be for local pharmaceutical companies to produce higher quality generic drugs which could be exported.
Liow said discussions would be held with medical equipment companies to see how his ministry could help boost production to increase export, adding that Malaysia has the expertise to provide training for foreign doctors and specialists.
“As for health tourism, we already have 35 hospitals and clinics, including dental clinics that are promoting their services.
“The ministry has also set up the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council to promote the country’s healthcare services abroad,” he said.
Liow said the ministry would not abandon its core business of providing health services to the people.
The ministry had put in place a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the efficiency of its services – particularly in emergency assistance, pharmacy, counter service, clinic service and operations.
On another matter, the ministry refuted news reports about the outbreak of malaria in Sekinchan, Selangor, saying the recent death due to the disease involved a fisherman from Myanmar.
The three others warded in Sungai Karang hospital were also Myanmar nationals.
“They were all imported cases. We have also conducted blood test on 122 locals and 219 foreigners in the area. All tests came back negative,” he said.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/25/nation/6540862&sec=nation
Hard to control high blood pressure
KUALA LUMPUR: Four out of 10 adults suffer from high blood pressure in Malaysia, but only 26% of them have it under control.
The direct and indirect costs of treating high blood pressure was estimated at RM2,719 and RM7,511 respectively per patient last year.
In addition, up to 85% of the patients may need multiple medications to help control their blood pressure, underscoring the need for more effective combination treatment.
Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, indicates that the heart is working harder than normal, putting both the heart and the arteries under greater strain.
“As doctors, this is our biggest challenge – getting blood pressure under control in the first place, and then keeping it there,” said National Heart Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian during a media briefing recently.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/8/nation/6627468&sec=nation
Liow: Medical assistants to be stationed at rural clinics
SEPANG: Medical assistants will be stationed at all rural clinics for the convenience of patients in the area, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
“Having medical assistants at rural clinics would mean that patients in the area would no longer have to travel far to seek treatment for minor problems like influenza, fever or cough,” he said.
He said the move was part of the ministry’s efforts to improve medical services in the country and the Sepang rural clinic would be the first to be upgraded. A medical assistant will be stationed there from Aug 1.
“Medical assistants have proven successful in our efforts to enhance medical services in urban areas. We feel it is time to extend the services to rural areas,” he told reporters during his visit to the clinic here yesterday. Liow said the upgrading of the 2,000 rural clinics nationwide, currently run by community nurses, would be done in stages but it would take time to place a medical assistant in each of them.
“We need to hire and train medical assistants as well as create facilities to dispense medication.
“We will also re-engage retired medical assistants on a contractual basis for this purpose,” he said.
On the dengue problem, Liow said the ministry would work with residents’ associations, village development and security committees and non-governmental organisations to set up communication behavourial impact (Combi) volunteer groups to contain the spread of the disease.
There are about 600 Combi volunteer groups nationwide, with 1,000 more to be set up soon.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/9/nation/6635241&sec=nation
Flat rate for all under new healthcare system mulled
By LESTER KONG
KUALA LUMPUR: The rich, like everybody else except the very poor, need only contribute a “flat rate” to enjoy quality healthcare under the planned National Health Financing Scheme .
“It’s not like the higher your salary, the higher you pay. It’s a flat rate. It’s a minimal amount,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The scheme is not likely to be split into various sub-schemes to make people of different income levels pay differently, he told a press conference after opening a healthcare seminar here yesterday.
However, he said, those with higher incomes could opt to buy extra insurance to protect themselves if they want better medical services.
“If the rich want to have better service on top of what they already have, they can buy extra insurance,” he added, reiterating that the very poor would be exempted from contributing to the scheme.
“We always take care of the poor, they will not need to contribute. The Government will take care of their healthcare,” said Liow when commenting on a recent report that quoted him as saying that it would take another year before the scheme, designed to make healthcare affordable, can be implemented.
He had reportedly said that this was because it involves reviewing the Medical Act 1972.
Liow had announced in December last year that the Health Ministry was working on a plan to allow the public to seek medical treatment at private clinics without having to pay high medical fees.
He said the Government was considering paying a portion of the bill under the proposed plan.
Liow invited the public to give their views through the ministry’s website at moh.gov.my or his blog at liowtionglai.com.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/12/nation/6647092&sec=nation
1Malaysia mobile clinics to serve remote areas
KUALA LUMPUR: After the success of the 1Malaysia clinic, the Government now plans to launch 1Malaysia mobile clinics as part of its continuous efforts to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to the people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the mobile clinics, which would use buses fitted with facilities for medical treatment and equipped for minor surgeries, would serve remote areas with limited access to clinics.
“I believe with the launch of the mobile clinics, more people living in the rural areas, traditional kampung, estates and new villages can have access to better and quality healthcare,” he said at the Malaysian Medical Association’s 50th anniversary dinner here last night.
Besides this, the Government also planned to open more 1Malaysia clinics under the 10th Malaysia Plan, following the increasing popularity of these clinics among the people.
Najib also said the Government would provide better healthcare services for the urban poor, especially since 70% of the country’s population lived in towns and cities.
“Those living in the metropolitan areas, especially the urban poor should not be denied access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
He also said that although the Government was putting greater emphasis on health tourism, the healthcare and medical needs of Malaysians would not be neglected.
The Government, he said had set the target of achieving a ratio of one doctor to 600 people by 2015 from the current ratio of one doctor to 900 people.
fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/15/nation/6670275&sec=nation
I would like to give a positive comments..
My cough are ongoing about a month.I went to western clinic twice n chinese clinic once..
N recently I went to gov clinic(JB)28thFeb
Waited around 2+hrs,however is better than normal clinic!
It has nose drop for my blocked nose..
N they wanted to test my phlegm.. I don’t think normal clinic will do such action..
I dunno why lots of ppl doesn’t like to go for gov clinic.
They think need to wait long time,n their medicine not that gd..
My bf mom n dad always go for chinese medical,also need to wait long time..Prob they like d chinese taste~
Andrea,
Beside the waiting time, Govt medical facilities is of of the best vs $$$ you pay! 🙂
Free outpatient treatment for senior citizens at govt hospitals and clinics
Senior citizens can look forward to a healthy start to the new year – they can seek outpatient treatment at government hospitals and clinics without having to fork out a single sen.
Effective yesterday, the Government abolished the token RM1 payment senior citizens needed to pay each time they sought such treatment.
The Health Ministry announced in its latest circular that patients aged 60 and above would be exempted from making any payment for outpatient treatment at government hospitals and clinics.
This means that these patients will enjoy medical consultation, check-ups and medication at no charge at all.
The circular, issued by ministry’s finance division secretary Wong Foong Lai, stated that the exemption was in appreciation of the contributions made by senior citizens.
Senior citizens would only have to pay a nominal fee if they required specialist care, treatment or hospitalisation.
Civil service retirees under the Employees Provident Fund pension scheme already enjoy free medical facilities at government medical establishments.
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said yesterday many senior citizens had chronic diseases that required regular hospital visits.
“If a senior citizen needs to see his doctor once a month or fortnightly, he could still make some savings. We must also bear in mind that X-rays, medication and several tests are already provided free for them,” he told The Star.
Asked whether the ministry was considering a blanket waiver of hospital fees for the elderly, Dr Hasan said those who could not afford the hospital fees were already eligible for free medical care.
He said the latest exemption could cost the ministry an estimated RM2mil in revenue annually.
“Government hospitals and clinics receive an average of 40 million visits from patients every year and about 5% of these comprise senior citizens,” he added.
Fomca president Datuk N. Marimuthu welcomed the Government’s latest initiative.
Society of Active Generation of Elders (Sage) president Chin Sek Ham, 71, said the body had called for the RM1 exemption a long time ago.
According to the latest census report (2010), 1.5 million Malaysians (5.1% of the population) are over the age of 65.
fr: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/2/nation/10192634&sec=nation
TCM services at selected govt clinics this year
Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) services will be made available at selected government clinics this year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was compiling data and identifying locations for pilot projects.
“We initially plan to offer acupuncture treatment for patients with chronic pain as well as Malay traditional massage therapy for post-natal mothers,” he said at the opening ceremony of the private Hospital Sungai Long yesterday.
He first announced the ministry’s plans to extend TCM services at the primary healthcare level in government clinics in January.
Currently, in the government sector, TCM units are only available at 10 major hospitals in 10 states.
“We will introduce it in big clinics first,” Liow said, adding that the ministry would likely introduce the service in cities where TCM units were available in nearby hospitals. “We may start in Johor Baru.”
Liow, who also launched the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) part-time Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Hons) programme at the event, said such part-time programmes could allow more flexibility for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to further their studies.
Utar president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik explained that the five- to 10-year programme could help practitioners get the qualifications they may need when the TCM Bill is passed.
Liow said the ministry had already submitted the TCM Bill to the Attorney-General’s chambers for review.
“We hope we can table it in Parliament for the first reading this month or in June,” said Liow.
The Bill, once passed, will outline minimum requirements for TCM practitioners to practise in the country. fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/2/nation/10838436&sec=nation