NEW HEALTH CLINIC: Sultan Azlan Shah (third right) and Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Bainun viewing the model of a hospital while visiting an exhibition inconjunction with the opening of the Buntong Health Clinic. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is at right while Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abl Kadir at left.— Bernama photo
IPOH: A government that is sensitive and able to fulfil its social responsibility to the people will continue to win their respect and trust, but will lose their support if it performs poorly, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.
The Sultan said a government that was elected and given the trust to administer the country should always be people-oriented by paying attention to their needs.
“Financial allocations, physical infrastructure and staff comprise the ‘hardware’ in the government’s effort in fulfilling its social responsibility in the field of health.
“The ‘software’ factor in terms of quality of service is the friendly and courteous service for patients, which is important and should be given attention so that the infrastructure and services provided will really be valued and appreciated by the service users,” Sultan Azlan said when officially opening the Buntong Health Clinic, here, yesterday.
He said in health service, if the manpower requirement was not planned in accordance with the increased number of patients, it was feared that the quality of service would drop, resulting in public dissatisfaction that would reflect negatively on the government.
Sultan Azlan said one important element that happened naturally but often overlooked in health service was humanity, which cut across social class, race and religion.
“Many may not realise how the element of unity develops naturally in the health service. Doctors, nurses and paramedics do not show discriminatory treatment because a patient comes from a different social class, ethnic group or religion.”
The zero discrimination, the Sultan said, was a strength in the country’s health service and it must be appreciated, fostered and explored further.
“This strength which has become an identity of the health service needs to be emulated in other sectors in the desire to build a truly united country.
The Buntong Health Clinic which was built in 2007 at a cost of RM27.6 is the first 3XP type in terms of design and services provided. — Bernama