Steps to improve KB1M healthcare services underway — Dr Subramaniam

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Dr Subramaniam (right) and Idris Haron touring an exhibition held in conjunction with the celebration. — Bernama photo

MELAKA: The Ministry of Health is taking the necessary steps to improve the quality of service provided by 1Malaysia Mobile Clinics (KB1M) to ensure optimum healthcare facilities to the people, especially in rural areas, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.

He said the ministry had identified problems faced by the KB1M when providing services in remote areas, among which were to use suitable vehicles such as four-wheel drive instead of vans or buses, as practiced currently.

“We are already aware of this and have requested that additional allocations are given so that we can get to areas that require healthcare services in a timely manner.

“I admit there is a need to increase this (KB1M’s quality of service) and we will take steps to overcome the shortcomings,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Earlier, he officiated the national-level celebration of World Health Day at the AEON shopping centre in Melaka here, which was also attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The Auditor General’s Report 2014 Series 1 which was tabled in Parliament on Monday found that the duration of examination and treatment for KB1M patients using buses and boats in outlying areas were still not satisfactory.

Dr Subramaniam said the ministry had also used various methods to provide healthcare services to people in remote areas, including the use of helicopters in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We use various methods so that all citizens can receive healthcare services regardless of where they lived, and I know there are weaknesses in these methods but we can improve from time to time to become more effective.”

Meanwhile, he said the number of dengue cases in the country had dropped to about 1,500 cases last week, compared to more than 3,000 cases at the beginning of the year. — Bernama