By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 13: Patients at Tabuan Jaya Health Clinic can now move around the facility more easily and enjoy greater privacy following the donation of five refurbished wheelchairs and custom-made curtains.
The items were presented by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng following his visit to the newly opened clinic.
Speaking to reporters at the clinic here today, Wee said he noticed several areas that required attention during a tour of the facility after its opening.
“During the inspection, I noticed that some consultation rooms and storerooms did not have curtains. The windows faced the outside, so there was limited privacy when doctors were attending to patients, especially when people were passing by.
“So, I decided to make a personal donation to provide curtains for the rooms. At the same time, I was told that the clinic was also short of wheelchairs,” he said.
Wee said the council opted to repair and reuse donated wheelchairs rather than purchase new ones, giving the items a second life while helping to meet the clinic’s needs.
“For patients who have difficulty walking, especially senior citizens and those with mobility challenges, having a wheelchair available can make their visit to the clinic much easier,” he said.
He added that the initiative also demonstrated how recycling and refurbishment could extend the useful life of existing items.
Wee said the handover was not merely about providing the donated items, but also about identifying other areas where the new clinic might require assistance.
He said he and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How would tour the facility and speak with staff to better understand their needs and identify areas where assistance could be provided.
Wee also stressed that supporting public healthcare facilities was a shared responsibility involving the community, elected representatives, private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals.
“If each of us does a little, together we can achieve a lot more,” he said.
He also thanked the doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel at the clinic for their efforts in serving the community.
Wee expressed hope that the refurbished wheelchairs and custom-made curtains would continue to benefit the clinic and its patients for years to come. — DayakDaily
