Private GPs and contract doctors urged to help out

Shaping up: Fun Run participants checking out a photo taken at a cross-section replica of a kidney on Selangor World Kidney Day 2023. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has urged private general practitioners (GPs) and contract doctors to participate in the initiative to extend operating hours at public health clinics.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that their support and cooperation would enable the ministry to reduce the workload among health workers and provide the best service to patients.“We have identified 52 health clinics (nationwide) that require extended hours.

“This (move) can help reduce congestion in hospitals’ emergency departments,” she told Bernama after officiating the state-level World Kidney Day 2023 here yesterday.

When asked about the possibility of adding health workers to make the initiative a success, Dr Zaliha acknowledged the point, but said that for now, the ministry encouraged the participation of GPs and contract doctors.

Last Saturday, the ministry was reported to have announced the extended hours at 52 health clinics nationwide.

The move was to reduce overcrowding in hospitals’ emergency departments.

Operating hours in the Klang Valley have been extended from 5pm to 9.30pm from Mondays to Fridays, and 8am to noon on Saturdays.

In Kedah, Kelantan and Johor, the hours from Sundays to Thursdays have been extended from 5pm to 9.30pm, and 8am to noon on Saturdays.