1Malaysia clinics

Came across this article from TheStar today. Thought of sharing it. Big kudos to the Negri Sembilan govenrment in setting up these! One of these clinics can be found in Taman Rasah Jaya at the new shoplots just before the Petronas station.

New 1Malaysia clinics a boon for the poor in Negri

THE opening of 50 1Malaysia clinics nationwide reflects the government’s commitment to provide affordable medical treatment to the people, particularly the poor.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said with the opening up of such clinics, the sick would not have to travel long distances to hospitals or government clinics to seek outpatient treatment.

“You will only have to pay RM1 for quality treatment and medication at these clinics. I am sure more sick people will frequent these clinics as they can save time and expenses,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking at the opening of the 1Malaysia clinic in Taman Semarak, Nilai. Two other such clinics have been opened in the state in Taman Seremban Jaya and Taman Rasah Jaya.

Mohamad said the people should not doubt the quality of treatment at these clinics as it was as good as services at government hospitals and clinics.

“The medical staff stationed here have the expertise and knowledge to handle out-patients. This is one of the many ways the government is trying to help those in the lower income bracket,” he said.

He said with more people seeking treatment here, the number of outpatients at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital (TJH) was also likely to drop.

“I have been made to understand that TJH gets a high number of outpatients and the opening of the 1Malaysia clinics will help reduce the number,” he said

Mohamad also dismissed claims that the opening of such clinics would have adverse effects on private medical practitioners.

“The 1Malaysia clinics were opened to reduce the financial burden of the poor. It never occurred to us to put sand in the rice bowl of those who had been practising in the said areas,” he said.

Also present at the opening were state health, science and technology and innovation committee chairman Datuk Ismail Taib and state health director Datin Dr Zailan Adnan.

When met, housewife Zainah Ibrahim, 38, was grateful that the 1Malaysia clinic had been opened in Taman Semarak.

“There were times when I had to take my young children all the way to Seremban or Mantin. This is such a relief,” she said, adding that she could also save on her travelling expenses.

Factory operator G. Tanusha, 27, said many people would benefit from the opening of the clinic.

“There are so many housing estates here and not many private clinics. It is also a blessing for people like me as I won’t burn a hole in my pocket if I need to bring my parents here for treatment,” she added.

Link: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/1/central/5586629&sec=central