Health minister: 1Malaysia clinics were like an 'instant noodle' programme

AMANAH AGM | Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has described 1Malaysia clinics as an "instant noodle" programme, which was done in a rush without thorough planning.

He was responding to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who had expressed disappointment with the closure of 34 1Malaysia clinics nationwide, allegedly because they were not cost-effective.

Najib had asked in a Facebook post for the government not to care too much about cost, but more about the rakyat's welfare.

In response, Dzulkelfy said: "The former prime minister needs to focus. Health is our job and the rakyat also knows we are doing our best. They (BN) has lost their chance.

"We know the 1Malaysia clinics programme was done in a rush, it is not a programme which was well thought-out. We want to end such a programme, this ‘instant noodle’ programme, ‘Maggi mee’.

"We want to do even better for the rakyat, especially those who are earning low incomes."

The minister, who is also Amanah's strategic director, was speaking to reporters at the party's national convention at the Casuarina Meru Hotel in Ipoh, Perak today.

Health Services Transformation Plan

Dzulkefly later clarified in a statement that the Health Ministry is implementing a Health Services Transformation Plan in 347 1Malaysia clinics.

The plan is meant to add more value to the services the clinics provide, as well as optimise financial and human resources.

The 1Malaysia clinic programme was originally meant to provide light treatment to communities in high-density areas or low-income communities, he said.

However, he added, the ministry has since found that not all 1Malaysia clinics are operating effectively or have reached its goal.

Among the criteria for closing several 1Malaysia clinics, he said, were an average number of fewer than 40 patients a day and the availability of another government health facility within 5km from the clinic.

Other criteria included the clinic not being located in People’s Housing Projects (PPR), and an agreement to close the clinic from the state's health department.

After a comprehensive evaluation process, 34 1Malaysia clinics were closed as they fulfilled all the above criteria, he said.

Community clinics

Dzulkefly added that the ministry would be converting a number of 1Malaysia clinics into “community clinics” in order to increase their value.

One main area of focus for the community clinics would be outpatient treatment, which would prioritise treating and controlling non-infectious illnesses as well as basic emergency cases.

These clinics would also have medical officers and pharmacy officers at selected facilities in stages, he said.

Out of the current 347 1Malaysia clinics, a total of 293 will be turned into community clinics, while another 20 will receive upgraded facilities and be turned into health clinics, and 34 shut down.

"Every decision taken by the ministry is for the sake of the services and quality of healthcare given to the patients. It will not be done unilaterally," he said. - Mkini