Early bird patients not to blame for polyclinic congestion — Pujut rep

MIRI: The long queues and waiting period at Miri Polyclinic is not something new, and patients should not be faulted for coming early to queue for treatment.

Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon said that the health department had been aware of the issues at the facility since last year, but chose to blame patients for coming in early.

“This ( patient arriving early) is not the root of the problem. The health department should follow the demand of the population here in Miri and allow the clinic to start operating earlier,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

He said patients from far-away places such as Bekenu, Lambir and Kuala Baram have to come early due to transportation problems, and choose to go to Miri Polyclinic as opposed to the one in Tudan as the former is located in the centre of the city.

Dr Ting added diabetic patients also have to come early as they have to have their blood tested prior to seeing a doctor.

“I suggest for the clinic to designate some staff to do the blood test before the operational hours as a way to ease the congestion, as these patients would not need to join the general queue.

“This will also enable those who have had their blood taken to go for breakfast earlier, and return later for consultation with the doctor.”