I WELCOME the construction of new hospitals and clinics but emphasis should be placed on the services that are offered at these new institutions.
I had to take my husband to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre last evening (Wednesday) because of a temperature that he developed sometime during the day. It was to my displeasure  the length of time we had to wait before we could be seen by anyone.
To start with, the receptionist in the registry area looked at us standing at the window without even rendering help or directing us to the relevant area. I had to literally seek information from the guards on duty who told me to wait for the receptionist to acknowledge me.
After that bit of frustration, I was told to wait on someone to assess whether our case was serious enough to be seen by a doctor.
I watched with astonishment as patients who were there long before me were turned away, meaning they could NOT get medical attention. These were persons, who to my knowledge were genuinely SICK. They were all told to come back the next day since they were not emergency cases.
One guy who was shivering was (allegedly) told to go home and drink ‘Panadol’ when he told them that he had a high ‘fever’. He was told that the hospital would only give him Panadol if he did not have that at home.
My husband was served only after we told them that he was vomiting. He received two injections; one to lower the temperature and Gravol for his vomiting and was also prescribed ‘Panadol’ and Gravol. I am thankful that my husband received some form of help but I grieved for the persons that were denied the services of this Centre. 
I am appalled at the atrocious services meted out to the people who cannot afford to visit a Private Hospital and have to seek help at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Something needs to be done about this now!