Frustration, bewilderment and anger.
That was how Jeanne (not her real name) felt after being pushed from one healthcare facility – private and government – to another.
All she wanted to do was get a Covid-19 test done so she could cut the pink bracelet on her wrist.
Jeanne, who spoke to Twentytwo13 on condition of anonymity, said she felt abandoned and alone after being given the runaround.
“When I returned to Malaysia last week, I was told by a medical officer at KL International Airport to go to a government clinic to take another Covid-19 test five days later,” said Jeanne, who strictly followed the procedure and requirement of her Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
“On the fifth day, I called the Selangor Health Department as instructed and was told to go to the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Hall in SS15, Subang Jaya for the test,” said the businesswoman.
“I told them the location was more than 10km away from where I live in Damansara, but the Selangor Health Department staff I spoke to insisted that I go to the hall. She also gave me a telephone number to make an appointment.”
Jeanne called the hall numerous times to make an appointment. No one answered.
She then searched the MySejahtera app and found a government clinic in Kelana Jaya, which was much closer to her home.
The 37-year-old called the clinic to find out what she had to do and was informed to take the test at a private facility.
“I called the facility and was asked if I needed to do a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or RTK-AG (rapid antigen) test. I was stumped as I didn’t know which I had to do as there was no indication on my form,” said Jeanne.
She had to call the state health department once again but there was no answer for the longest time.
After finally getting a reply, she headed to the private lab as instructed but was turned away as the staff claimed she was “positive” – because she was wearing a pink bracelet.
“They told me only a government clinic could do the test because I was ‘positive’. They didn‘t accept my explanation despite showing them my HSO form,” said Jeanne.
“I then drove to the Selangor Health Department, showed them my HSO form and asked, ‘what do I do next?’
“I was shocked when they replied my name was not in the system! More shockingly, they asked me when I first tested positive!
“After I explained what happened, they apologised as they only deal with those who have tested positive and suggested I try the Petaling District Health Office which was across the road.”
Jeanne had another long wait in the queue before making her way to a counter.
After explaining her situation, the staff told her she had to go to a hospital to get the test done as the Petaling District Health Office only cuts the wristbands.
“I wasted six hours – from the time I first called the Selangor Health Department to the time I finally got my test done. I don’t understand why there is no communication between government agencies and private clinics and no standard operating procedures.
“Why was I told to go to a private clinic before being told to go to a hospital? These tests are not cheap. If you do the drive-through tests, it is even more expensive.
“I am just one person. Imagine how many more people are affected?
“I’m Covid-19 negative but waiting in lines at the private and government clinics and the Petaling District Health Office made me worried I might get infected.
“I am in no way condemning the frontliners. I feel sorry for them as they are overworked.”
She wished the communication from the decision-makers was clearer.
