By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 5: Out of 272 public health clinics in Sarawak, 105 were categorised as dilapidated, of which 19 were classified as ‘extremely critical’, deeming them unsafe and dangerous for use and occupancy.
State Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck explained that there are about 62 clinics in critical condition and 25 in bad shape.
“We are continuously looking at the allocation available for the State and trying to improve (these facilities). We know there are many clinics requiring repair works and other (necessities),” he informed in a press conference during the work visit of Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin at Simunjan Hospital today.
Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, who is also Batang Sadong MP, emphasised that today’s visit is only a “sampling” of the dire straits of healthcare facilities in rural areas of Sarawak.
“There are more pressing healthcare issues (facing rural Sarawak). This is only for Batang Sadong (constituency),” she said, adding that more needed to be done not only for Sarawak’s rural areas but also for the whole of Malaysia.
Khairy pointed out that he will table the list of public healthcare facilities requiring upgrading works in Malaysia, including a few hospitals identified in Sarawak, in the upcoming meeting on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“We do not know how many will be approved with allocations, but once finalised, it will be informed to Dr Sim so that facilities with the most pressing needs, such as buildings with cracks and all that, can be repaired immediately for the safety of both patients and healthcare staff as well as comfort for those who come to the clinics or hospitals to seek treatments.
“I have and will continue to fight for more allocations for the public health sector in the future. We hope there will be political will to realise this,” he said.
Grateful that he had the opportunity to visit Semera Lot Clinic, Sadong Jaya Clinic, and Simunjan Hospital under the Sadong Jaya constituency today, Khairy said he is aware of the challenges and problems faced in terms of healthcare facilities and services, especially in rural areas including in Sarawak.
He commended healthcare professionals for their perseverance and resilience in continuing to provide quality and world-class healthcare services to the people despite being in challenging conditions and lacking in many aspects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Local Government Michael Tiang; and Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris were present. — DayakDaily
