KOTA KINABALU – Patients at Klinik Kesihatan Likas are facing long waits and crowded conditions as they seek medical treatment, with older adults bearing the brunt of the strain.
Recent observations and complaints from locals reveal that inadequate space and limited parking are making visits to the public clinic increasingly difficult — particularly during peak hours.
According to several patients, the clinic’s surroundings are congested with vehicles, forcing many to walk long distances just to get through the doors.
For elderly individuals and those with limited mobility, this extra effort can be physically taxing and emotionally stressful. One patient, Mohd Ali, explained that the situation adds to the burden of getting care and raises concerns about patient safety and comfort.
The lack of parking also pushes clinic visitors to share spaces with local residents in Kampung Likas — exacerbating traffic and leaving little room for smooth patient flow. Community members are urging authorities to address these shortcomings so that essential health services remain accessible and efficient.
Why This Issue Matters
1. Public Health Access Must Be Practical and Inclusive
Primary care clinics like Klinik Kesihatan Likas are crucial first points of contact for many Malaysians, especially those who rely on government-subsidised health services. When physical barriers — such as limited parking and narrow walkways — impede access, this undermines the core objective of equitable healthcare.
2. The Elderly Are Particularly Vulnerable
Malaysia’s ageing population increasingly depends on regular check-ups and chronic disease management at community clinics. Difficulty accessing these services — whether due to distance from parked cars or long waiting times — can worsen health outcomes for older adults and those with physical limitations. Advocates have also called for better systems to assist elders and persons with disabilities at public clinics and hospitals to make navigation easier.
3. Clinic Congestion Reflects Broader System Strain
While the Ministry of Health has been working to reduce wait times in government clinics nationwide — reporting improvements from multi-hour waits down to about 30 minutes in many areas — overcrowding remains a persistent challenge, particularly in high-traffic urban clinics.
4. Infrastructure and Patient Experience Are Linked
Issues like parking shortages and overcrowded premises are not merely matters of comfort — they directly affect care quality, patient safety, and clinic efficiency. As calls grow for urban clinic upgrades across Sabah, this situation at Klinik Kesihatan Likas highlights the need for targeted investment in health infrastructure that keeps pace with demand.
Improving clinics like Likas — through better design, expanded capacity, and thoughtful planning for ageing patients — is essential if community health services are to serve all citizens effectively. Addressing these challenges is not just about convenience; it’s about safeguarding access to healthcare for those who need it most.
Source: Sabah News
