Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that a total of 33 1Malaysia Clinics will be phased out, while 313 will be rebranded as Community Clinics.
Source: NST
“The closure of these 33 clinics will be phased out and will not affect the delivery of health services to the surrounding residents, as there are nearby health facilities (hospitals and health clinics),” he said during a press conference after launching the National Dental Health Week at Kuala Lumpur City Hall .
He said every Community Clinic would be housed in a healthcare provider, pharmacist and some nurses.
The matter will be discussed in a Cabinet meeting, he added. At present, there are 346 1Malaysia clinics nationwide. It was introduced by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2010. But how are Malaysians taking to this news?
Here are some reactions:
Source: Facebook
Some Malaysians have pointed out how the 1Malaysia clinics have helped the country under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
Others brought up some bad experiences that had when they had visited the clinics:
Source: Facebook
While some believe that it is a waste of money and resources to rebrand the clinics
Source: Facebook
The rebranding and closure of the clinics were part of the final reports on three thrust issues concerning the Health Ministry which will be tabled at the next Cabinet meeting, said its minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The three reports are pertaining to the revamp of the 1Malaysia Clinics, sexual harassment cases involving graduate medical officers (PPS) and proposed increase in the rate of consulting fees of medical practitioners and doctors for services in private hospitals and clinics.
At the end of the day, a strong and affordable healthcare system is integral to a functional democracy. Even with the rebranding in place, let’s hope the current government will always keep the welfare of the rakyat in mind!
Also read: Govt Urged to End Pharmaniaga’s Monopoly in Public Healthcare to Reduce Prices of Meds
