Kampung Baru Sungai Chua folk hope for better services

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THE community clinic in Kampung Baru Sungai Chua in Kajang, Selangor, re-opened recently following its abrupt closure on July 23.

Kampung Baru Sungai Chua Village Safety and Development Committee (JKKK) chairman Yong Swan Khong said before its sudden closure, the operating hours of the clinic had been shortened.

“The clinic used to operate weekly on Thursdays and the staff attended to an average of 50 patients. However, it began operating once a fortnight from 8am to 10.30am, limiting the crowd to 30 patients,” he said.

“The notice announcing the closure cited upgrading as the reason but I believe it was the serious lack of medical staff that prompted the closure,” he said.

Recently reopened: Yong at the clinic which is now back in operation.

The clinic had been operating from a rent-free section of the JKKK building in Kampung Baru Sungai Chua for a number of years.

Now that operations have resumed, senior citizens like Low Kim Suan, 63, and Kuan Bok Seng, 65, who used to visit the clinic for various health problems, are greatly relieved.

“For the few months after the clinic closed, I had to find my own way to the community clinic in Sungai Ramal and the crowd was too big at times,” said Low.

Kuan hoped the clinic would employ doctors instead of medical assistants who could only offer limited help.

“The medical supplies are also limited, so only basic services can be offered. I hope this can be upgraded and the range of medicines expanded.

“I need blood pressure medication and can only obtain a limited supply.

“My friends who also come here have complained of similar problems,” he added.

Kuan also said he was thankful the clinic had reopened as the charge was only RM1 per patient while private clinics charged an average of RM25.