Johor Govt's Decanting Move Eases Health Clinic Crowding, Brings Relief To Mothers

By Nur Fatin mohmad Kadenan

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 8 (Bernama) -- For mothers who are heavily pregnant or bringing young children for health check-ups, comfort when seeking treatment at health clinics is not a luxury, but a necessity. 

As such, the relocation of the Maternal and Child Unit of the Gelang Patah Health Clinic (KKGP) to the Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters (SILC) here, under the Johor state government’s decanting (reorganisation) initiative, has been well received by patients, who now enjoy a more comfortable and orderly environment. 

S. Geetha, 33, who is three months pregnant, said one of the main challenges she previously faced when seeking treatment at the old location in Taman Nusa Perintis was the difficulty in finding parking due to the high volume of patients. 

The housewife, who is expecting her second child, said the situation forced expectant mothers to park by the roadside before walking and crossing the road to reach the clinic. 

“Now it’s much easier because the parking area is larger and the location is more comfortable for patients to seek treatment,” she told Bernama. 

For housewife Fatanah Izzati Mohd Hamdan, 30, who gave birth to her first child last month, the most noticeable changes are the more spacious waiting area and a service layout that is more patient-friendly. 

She said congestion at the previous facility sometimes made movement uncomfortable, especially for pregnant women and those carrying babies. 

“Previously, it felt like we were bumping into each other because it was so crowded. If we needed to go to the lab, we had to walk outside, but now everything is in one building,” she said. 

Wong Yoke Lin, 64, also praised the state government’s initiative in ensuring better healthcare services for women and children. 

“This is my first time at this clinic. In my view, the initiative is good as it benefits the public as a whole,” said the mother of two. 

A Bernama survey found that operations at the health clinic are running smoothly, with a more conducive and comfortable interior space, and a better location in a non-traffic-congested area. 

Earlier, it was reported that State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the KKGP in Taman Nusa Perintis often faced congestion issues, handling about 800 patients daily within a limited space. 

Ling and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had visited the health clinic to assess the situation and proposed relocating the clinic’s Maternal and Child Unit to SILC to holistically address congestion issues and enhance service quality. 

The new facility, which has been operating since Dec 8 last year, offers child healthcare services, antenatal and postnatal care, as well as women’s health services. 

The improved facilities, larger space, conducive environment and more systematic access to services not only help reduce patient congestion but also enhance the quality of healthcare for the Gelang Patah community. 

-- BERNAMA