Access to HKL riddled with challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: Access to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), the nation’s oldest hospital, has been challenging ever since it embarked on an extensive renovation programme that involved taking away many parking spots, resulting in patients and visitors having to park more than 1km away, while pedestrians saw their walkway removed.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the shuttle bus service that is meant to bridge the distance is unreliable, claim members of the public.

“We were almost hit by a car several times due to the narrow walking space,” said Julia Maidin, 36, who brought her mother to HKL for treatment.

“I am more worried about my mother. Her body is strained by the long walk,” said Julia, adding that pedestrians were very concerned about their safety especially at night when there was a lack of shuttle service, and they had to be extra cautious while walking to the medical centre with as there were no proper pedestrian paths.

HKL is currently undergoing a multi-million ringgit renovation that will see the addition of a multi-storey car park and a new health centre for women and children by 2015.

A check by The Star revealed that pedestrians had to walk some 1.4km between the hospital and the public parking lot located near the National Heart Institute (IJN).

A shuttle service has been provided to transport patrons from the parking area to the main buildings, but the service was irregular, especially at night, said Rohani Mohd Shahir, 54.

“I was refused a ride by one of the shuttle drivers today afternoon,” said Rohani who had to make a long walk to the neurology department after a lengthy wait.

She added that the shuttle buses needed to be more accommodating to the elderly and the disabled.

According to HKL public relations head Rohana Amdan, the hospital would be taking prompt action following complaints from their patrons.

The construction of a multi-storey parking lot is currently in progress.

“It will be more than sufficient once it is completed in 2015,” she said, adding that the new building would not only increase HKL’s parking capacity, but also make it easier for auxiliary police to monitor visitors coming to the hospital.