Lee: Urgent need to resolve overcrowding at Tudan polyclinic

MIRI: There is an urgent need to extend the Tudan Polyclinic facility in order to resolve the overcrowding issue and to cater to the growing population, particularly those living in the northern part of Miri.

According to Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, the growing population in the northern part of Miri including Tudan, Permyjaya, Senadin, Pujut and Lutong that now reaches more than 150, 000 is causing overcrowding issue and traffic congestion at the medical facility.

“I was told that the clinic receives an average of 700 patients daily and during peak season, could possibly reach 900 patients. While we have done all we could, such as using up the road verge and turning it into parking space to ease the congestion, there is much that the Ministry of Health must take note of,” Lee told reporters yesterday.

At the moment, he added, there is no state land available around the polyclinic, however the government could consider acquiring private land for the extension purpose.

“I would also like to suggest to the Ministry of Health to consider using part of the staff quarters into medical facility to add more space,” said Lee.

Yesterday, Lee handed over 10 units of four- seater chairs, four units of 40 inch televisions, 10 units of writing desks, three units of bookcases and one unit of PA system costing a total of RM12, 107.00 to the clinic.

It was Lee’s final contribution after his tenure as chairman for the polyclinic’s advisory panel ended on December 31, 2018. During his term from 2015 to 2018 as chairman of Tudan Polyclinic’s advisory panel, he had contributed a number of items that had created conveniences to the patients seeking treatment at the polyclinic.

While the new polyclinic (near Miri Hospital) has not been constructed yet, Lee suggested that a new Community Clinic could be a solution to the overcrowding problem.

“At the moment, there is one community clinic at Desa Senadin and Permyjaya each. It would be good if the health ministry could open one in Tudan shophouses area, so that those with minor ailments could seek treatments at the clinic.

“Aside from maintaining the operation hours that is from 9am to 9pm, it would also be good if they add more medical services to cater for emergency need,” he said.

At the moment, Community Clinic offers hypertension diagnosis and treatment, common illness, dressing of wounds and other simple medical procedures.

Lee speaks to a member of the public during his visit to the clinic.

Lee hands over the four-seater chairs to Tudan polyclinic officer-in-charge Dr Maurice Steve Utap (sixth left), witnessed by staff, patients and members of the public.