By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, May 16: A total of RM8.8 million has been allocated to the Health Ministry to upgrade 36 health clinics throughout Sarawak this year, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
“This would include Tun Abang Haji Openg Health Clinic in Sibuti as part of our effort to ensure quality service for the public,” he told local media today after his working visit to the clinic in Sibuti.
Lukanisman disclosed the upgrading of Tun Abang Haji Openg Health Clinic which is located about one hour’s drive from Miri City would involve constructing a new unit to accommodate an emergency room.
“The clinic currently has very limited space and needs to be upgraded in order to deliver healthcare services to the public from the surrounding area,” he said.
Among other clinics to be upgraded are Miri Mother and Child Clinic, and health clinics in Tebedu, Mukah, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Tarat and Sibu (Jalan Oya).
“The upgrades would involve the construction of new buildings and staff quarters,” Lukanisman said.
Earlier, Lukanisman was at the Long Lama community hall, where the local clinic is currently operating in after moving there following soil erosion in 2020 at its previous site.
“As a long-term solution, we are planning to insert micropiles around the Long Lama Clinic site to stabilise the soil surface before proceeding with the construction of the building…and this would take about a year.
“The Health Ministry is in the process of identifying a contractor for the project and it would take some time to process as it also involves Ministry of Finance,” he added.
In the short-term, the Health Ministry has requested the Sarawak government to continue allowing Long Lama Community Hall to be used as its temporary building.
The Long Lama clinic was shut down in July 2020 due to soil erosion which caused structural damage to parts of the building.
Subsequently, the clinic’s operations were moved to the Long Lama community hall. — DayakDaily
