Ampang Hospital has long been recognised as one of the busiest health care institutions in the Klang Valley. Each day, the hospital manages a high turnover of inpatients and outpatients, in addition to its large workforce.
Unfortunately, the supporting infrastructure, particularly parking facilities, has not kept pace with this demand.
The existing parking allocation within the hospital grounds is already insufficient, leading to frequent double-parking by both staff and visitors. To cope, many have resorted to using the open-space car park opposite the hospital.
This facility accommodates approximately 500 vehicles daily and provides a sense of security and accessibility, albeit at a monthly fee of RM150, which is not subsidised. For many, it remains the only viable option.
Concerns have therefore arisen over the possibility of this open-space car park being redeveloped for commercial purposes. The question is a simple yet significant one: which serves the community better — a car park directly across from a major hospital, or another retail outlet, particularly when a Lotus Ampang already exists only a few kilometres away?
The surrounding environment further underscores the gravity of this issue. Traffic congestion in the area is a daily challenge, exacerbated by the presence of two schools, nearby low-cost residential flats, fast-food outlets, petrol stations and narrow access roads.
Until recently, there was not even a proper zebra crossing to ensure safe pedestrian access to the hospital. To add a commercial development into this mix without a comprehensive traffic and infrastructure plan would risk worsening an already strained situation.
It is incumbent upon the authorities, particularly the local council and town planners, to prioritise the needs of the public in this matter. Hospitals are not merely buildings; they are vital service centres. Accessibility both by foot and by vehicle is integral to their function. Parking is not a matter of convenience alone; it is a matter of public necessity.
As redevelopment plans progress, the community deserves a clear and transparent solution regarding parking at Ampang Hospital. Proper urban planning should place the needs of citizens and essential services above commercial interests.
The author is a specialist doctor at Ampang Hospital. CodeBlue is providing the author anonymity because civil servants are prohibited from writing to the press.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
