Attention to Weaknesses in Health Clinic Infrastructure That Affects Patient Well-being
By Siti Hidaya
Semenyih, Malaysia – In a recent statement, Siti Hidaya expressed concerns about the lack of expertise in the management of the health sector, particularly in senior positions. While administrative and diplomatic officers (PTDs) may excel in administration, managing sectors like healthcare requires more than just administrative skills – it requires expertise in the field.
Siti Hidaya emphasized that senior positions in healthcare, such as the Director-General of Health Malaysia, cannot simply rely on information provided by PTDs. There must be proper oversight and in-depth checks to ensure that the real needs of the sector are being met.
“For example, doctors in hospitals know best what is needed for treatment and appropriate facilities for patients. Those on the front lines are the ones who truly understand the situation,” said Siti Hidaya. “Sometimes, I feel sorry for the state of our healthcare sector.”
She also shared her experience visiting a health clinic for a pregnancy check-up, where she found that the toilets and basic facilities that should be available in the clinic were inadequate. “There were no toilets or places to store belongings. These are basic issues that should have already been addressed, especially for the convenience of pregnant women. This situation is very unconducive for patients,” explained Siti Hidaya.
She stressed that when new facilities are built, they must meet the proper specifications. “It’s not just about building; it’s essential to ensure that it functions properly and meets the real needs of its users. For instance, rubber pipes and a lack of hooks for belongings are basic issues that should already be addressed in medical facilities. Even school toilets are more advanced than this.”
Siti Hidaya urged the authorities to pay more attention to expertise in the management of the healthcare sector. She emphasized that the sector requires not only good management but also a deep understanding of medical and health needs to ensure the well-being of the people is guaranteed.