By Karen Bong
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Dec 8: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved nearly RM300 million under Budget 2021 to address healthcare needs in Sarawak including replacing Dalat Hospital’s broken fence as well as building new clinics for Oya and Spaoh.
MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min revealed that RM500,000 has been approved for Dalat Hospital to replace its fencing which is nearly collapsed.
“As for Oya Clinic, there was an issue of being too close to the main road, so we are now identifying a (piece of) land to build a new and bigger clinic.
“While for the old Spaoh Clinic, that was raised by (Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas) Uggah (Embas), we will provide funding for the upgrade but MOH in fact is looking at building a new clinic.
“A (piece of) land has been identified so hopefully we can secure it and get funding approved by Economic Planning Unit (EPU) so that the project can start in 2022,” he told a press conference during a visit to the Sarawak Heart Centre here today.
With the budget approved, Dr Chan emphasised that MOH has started to plan ahead in order to get new projects implemented.
“We must work on it very fast as 2021 is just around the corner. Some of the projects include new clinics, upgrading of quarters, replacement of lifts and other upgrades for hospitals (throughout the state).
“We will work on all these programmes for the benefit of the people and Sarawak,” he added.
Earlier on, Dr Chen, who was accompanied by Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, also witnessed the partial handover of new facilities at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
The new facilities include a blood bank, integrated pathology lab (expected to be completed by March), multi-storey carparks, daycare centre, seven operating theatres and a procedure room.
“We are very impressed with the new buildings and equipment,” he said.
On a two-day visit to Sarawak, Dr Chen explained that he was here to assess the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak as well as to inform about and coordinate matters for new projects to be implemented with the State Health Department.
“I was given briefed by (State Health director) Dr Chin (Zin Hing) and team on the Covid-19 management. I am very impressed with how Sarawak managed to get the situation under control,” he added.
Later, Dr Chen also handed over 10 4×4 vehicles to assist Sarawak in tackling Covid-19 in a symbolic ceremony.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim thanked the MOH for the close collaboration in addressing some of the needs in Sarawak which is not easy due to size of the state and geographical constraints. — DayakDaily
