I REFER to the letter by Shah D. from Puchong titled “Senior given runaround at hospital” (The Star, June 12) and can sympathise with what he had to go through.
Fortunately for him, Serdang Hospital has an integrated computerised patient database otherwise the experience could be worse.
I do agree that some policies and systems in the hospital are not patient-friendly.
However, please bear in mind that the system is in place to manage thousands of patients visiting the hospital daily.
We must not forget that specialist clinics in hospitals are not meant for walk-in patients.
Specialist hospitals like Serdang Hospital are referral centres.
If a patient is stable and the medications are available at local clinics, the patient’s care will be transferred to be managed at a local health clinic (Klinik Kesihatan).
At present, appointments for the first visit can take up to three months due to the patient load.
Who doesn’t want to be seen at the specialist clinic for a mere RM5 per visit?
Even with the low fee, there are some well-to-do government officers who create a big fuss when being charged RM5.
It wouldn’t be fair to put the blame on the hospital.
Two years of defaulting treatment is a long time.
You just cannot decide to come to the hospital and be seen straight away.
That would not be fair to the other patients who waited three months for their appointments, stick to their appointments and follow the doctor’s advice on health management.
I am sure there might be some reasons for defaulting the appointments. But what can be more important than your health?
If the medical staff are prepared to help with the limited resources, why not help yourself?
MOFRUST
Ipoh
