IPOH: The round-the-clock operational hours at the Tanjung Malim health clinic's emergency ward need to be reinstated, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic).
The MCA deputy president said no longer having 24-hour emergency services had affected the local community, adding that three deaths that occurred recently could have been prevented.
Now, the clinic only opens from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and is closed on weekends and public holidays.
"After serving the community faithfully for 20 years, this abrupt change raises serious concerns.
"Providing round-the-clock care in a rural area with limited access to medical services is a necessity," he said in a statement on Friday (Nov 1).
"This decision overlooks the unique needs of Tanjong Malim's residents, who like everyone else, depend on and deserve immediate access to healthcare.
"The nearest emergency unit now is 22km away and residents face lengthy delays for ambulance services or must travel a considerable distance for treatment," he said.
A notice was put up at the health clinic about the change, saying it would only open from 8am and 5pm on weekdays.
The change was aimed at standardising the operations of rural health facilities.
The notice, however, said those who need emergency aid when the clinic is closed must call 999 for emergency services.
It also said alternative emergency aid was available at the Bandar Behrang 2020 community clinic about 9km away or a 10-minute drive from noon to 9pm daily.
Dr Mah, who is also Perak MCA chairman, said residents in Tanjung Malim should have a closer alternative or given more time to adapt to such a significant change.
"Rural communities have the right to equitable access to healthcare, and the lack of this provision here is simply unacceptable.
"The government must recognise the urgency of this situation and take immediate action to address the pressing needs of Tanjung Malim residents.
"The health and safety of the community should be a priority and comprehensive efforts must be made to restore essential services that could save lives," he said.
Social activist M. Mythreyar, 46, also said that early treatment at the emergency unit was crucial to Tanjung Malim as people could need treatment at any time, day or night.
"The health clinic should be upgraded and its operational time left as it was," he said, adding that not everyone owns a car and could travel over 20km to the Slim River Hospital.
"There's also an Orang Asli community in the district that has been affected.
"I hope the government will conduct another study and reinstate the 24-hour operational time.
"A lot of lives will be impacted if they cannot get early treatment. We have the right to get the appropriate treatment," he added.
