The country’s recent floods have destroyed more than 40 private clinics, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said most of the affected clinics were in the Klang and Sri Muda area in Selangor, with damages estimated at between RM300,000 and RM500,000 per clinic.

“The affected clinics were all located on the ground floor of shoplots. They are completely inoperable as the floodwaters had reached ceiling height, destroying all medical equipment, medicine supplies, computers, printers, furniture as well as other important items," he said.

“Other clinics located in the affected areas had also suffered losses as roads leading to the clinics were impassable at the time, due to the floods,” added Dr Koh in a statement.

Dr Koh said the MMA is setting up a fund to help those affected and is also seeking government assistance.

“It is hoped that some form of assistance from the government can be provided in consideration of the GPs contribution in services, in managing the pandemic.

“Many of the GPs affected were involved in COVID-19 testing and assessment, monitoring of home quarantined COVID-19 patients as well as participating as a PPV. A number of the GPs had also volunteered themselves in flood relief efforts despite their clinics being destroyed by the floodwaters.

“Assistance from the financial sector in the form of soft loans will be much appreciated by these clinics, and also with contributions from the corporate sector," he said

“MMA lauds the affected doctors who are continuing with their charitable activities to the affected community whilst still taking stock of their own losses,” added Dr Koh.

Anyone who wishes to help can contact the MMA at [email protected] or [email protected].

Article Credit - 
[1] The Star