Dentists fume over new staircase rule for upstairs clinics

Private dentists are protesting a new health ministry regulation that sets a minimum staircase width of 1.1 meters for clinics located on the first floor or upper levels of commercial buildings. The Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association has called on Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to step in and address the issue.

The association argues that the regulation unfairly targets older commercial buildings that may not meet the structural requirements. Despite this, a recent evacuation drill demonstrated that patients could be safely carried down a steep staircase to a waiting ambulance, even when the width was less than the stipulated 1.1 meters.

The dentists' association contends that the regulation was imposed unilaterally by the health ministry without proper consideration of the structural limitations of existing premises. They question why the responsibility for building compliance and fire safety, which traditionally falls on local authorities and relevant fire, rescue, and safety agencies, has been shifted to the health ministry.

The association insists that regulations must be implemented fairly, taking into account the unique circumstances of each building. They urge the health minister to reconsider the enforcement of this particular rule and work with local authorities to ensure patient safety without causing undue hardship to private dental clinics.