MANY Ipoh folk prefer to head to 1Malaysia clinics these days due to the affordable and dependable healthcare services provided.
Those interviewed by The Star said the rising cost of medical treatment at private clinics was difficult to bear with, and found 1Malaysia clinics a good alternative.
Civil servant Fendi Suamai, 32, said he has three good reasons to visit a 1Malaysia clinic.
"Firstly, it is cheap. Secondly, I think they are relatively fast in seeing to patients and I do not have to wait for long.
"Lastly, I have been going to their clinics for quite some time now and I find that the medication and services rendered is of the same standard as at government hospitals and I do not have to wait for a very long time at the clinics here," he said.
He said this at the 1Malaysia clinic at Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Perak. He was there with his two daughters.
Teacher Aisya Rozairin Zainudin, 38, was there with her youngest daughter to see the doctor as well.
"I like it because most of the times that I have been here, there were not too many people and as such the waiting time was tolerable.
"In comparison to private clinics and government hospitals, I think that the service here is quite good and we only need to pay RM1 for it," said the mother of four, adding that she has been patronising the 1Malaysia clinic here in UTC Perak since it was opened a few years ago.
She said apart from the cost, the clinic was located very near to the Ipoh Central Market, and she could also buy her groceries while in the area.
"My whole family comes here when they are sick, and I think this will be my preferred clinic for a very long time," she said.
A homemaker, who only wanted to be known as Choo, also said she was a regular at 1Malaysia clinics due to its cheap consultation and medication costs.
"I have been to the clinic a few times, and find it pretty reliable.
"Even if I have to wait, the longest is just half-an-hour," said the 45-year-old who brought her daughter to the clinic.
She too shared the sentiment that the clinic's services equalled that of a government hospital, and that she need not worry about paying a high fee for medication.
"Nowadays, even for flu or fever, you need to pay up to RM40 or RM50 just to see a doctor and get medication from private clinics. I can do the same here at a much lower price," Choo said.
Factory worker Nabilah Mohd Hanim, 23, meanwhile, said she only decided to go to 1Malaysia clinics because of a recommendation from a friend.
"I am here to see the dentist, and I like how they have both general practitioners and dentists under the same roof. It makes life easier for us," she said.
On the other hand, another homemaker, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Lee, said she only decided to go to a 1Malaysia clinic because she happened to pass by the area.
"RM1 is considered really cheap for medical care, so I decided to give it a try. I was in a hurry because my parking ticket was going to expire soon. I hope that they could attend to patients faster in the future," she said.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/11/18/A-reliable-option-Many-Ipoh-folk-now-seeking-medical-care-at-1Malaysia-clinics/
