Public response to drive-through Covid screening facility
KUCHING: The Batu Kawa Health Clinic is the only public healthcare clinic that provides a drive-through facility for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabs for Covid-19 every day, with 200 swabs taken per day.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the facility was important as the people could just go for the swabs via drive-through.
“However, 99 percent of the time, I only received complaints and I was wondering perhaps we should close down this service. The public have the alternative of going for the usual PCR swabs. They will have to look for car parks (bay), walk down, wait for registration, assessments, swabs and then go back to the cars.
“Closing down the service will definitely relieve the overworked staff of public healthcare services. They can work in air-conditioned rooms instead of sweating in the personal protective equipment (PPE) suit seven days a week.
“But I believe the compliments that I receive one percent of the time will motivate and inspire the staff to continue their inconveniences, sacrifices and dedication to the people,” he said in a Facebook post today (May 1).
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor, had conveyed his appreciation to those who gave positive feedback, adding he was sure that Batu Kawa Health Clinic staff would greatly appreciate it.
He also posted the feedback which was sent to him on Facebook by an appreciative parent.
“My son’s classmates have tested positive for Covid-19 in SJK Chung Hua Sungai Tapang at MJC Batu Kawa. My son just had his swab done at Batu Kawa Health Clinic.
“The layout for the drive-through was well thought off and proper signage and QR codes were put up.
“The whole process was convenient, comfortable, fast and most importantly, safe for the healthcare workers on duty to perform the swab,” said one parent.
She thanked the government for setting up the drive-through facility.
