By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 6: Sibu Hospital has been urged to reconsider its decision to go completely cashless, as it risks excluding disadvantaged groups from accessing critical healthcare services.
In making this call, former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang stressed that a hybrid system that accommodates both cash and card transactions would better serve the diverse needs of the community.
“Sibu Hospital serves the entire central region of Sarawak, and a significant portion of its patients are rural residents, senior citizens, and lower-income groups who may not own debit or credit cards with many of them heavily relying on cash for daily transactions,” she stated in a statement today.
Chang pointed out that this cashless policy also risks alienating those who are already disadvantaged, including but not limited to the stateless community who do not even have the necessary documentation to open a bank account, let alone own debit or credit cards, or individuals whose bank accounts are frozen due to legal or bankruptcy issues.
“In the event of a medical emergency, these people would not be able to have immediate access to healthcare, but would instead be required to seek out relatives or friends to make payment on their behalf.
“Would the hospital withhold treatment and turn away patients in genuine need simply because they cannot pay with a debit or credit card?” she questioned.
She also highlighted the potential risks of over-reliance on cashless systems, which depend on electricity and internet connectivity, pointing out that in the event of a power outage or system failure, patients and visitors could face delays or disruptions in accessing critical healthcare services.
“While I understand the intent behind the cashless initiative, I strongly urge Sibu Hospital to reconsider the implementation of this policy and take into account the potential negative implications such a move may have on the central Sarawak community.
“I believe a significant portion of our population is not ready to embrace a fully cashless system, and such a step should not be implemented hastily in such a critical public service,” she emphasised.
Chang concluded by stressing that inclusivity and accessibility must remain the cornerstone of public healthcare services. — DayakDaily
