KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala handed over a portable ultrasound scanning equipment worth RM70,000 to Long Jekitan Health Clinic in Ulu Baram on Sunday (July 31).
The equipment was received by Miri Divisional Health Officer Dr Raviwharmman Packierisamy and witnessed by Miri Divisional Specialist for Family Health Dr Maurice Steve Utap, Telang Usan district officer Baru Tai and Penan community leaders.
In a Facebook post yesterday (Aug 1), Gerawat said the machine was needed to perform ultrasound scans in a hand-carried, lightweight form, enabling health personnel to use it on patients at Long Jekitan Health Clinic.
“The portable scanner will assist the clinic in improving the quality of healthcare services at Long Jekitan area as it will enable the doctors to assess and decide whether the patients need to be referred to Long Lama or Miri General Hospital,” he said.
Gerawat, who is Mulu assemblyman, thanked Dr Ravi for bringing up the need for the medical equipment to his attention, and he hoped the community of Long Jekitan and surrounding villages would benefit from the use of the equipment.
He also encouraged the Long Jekitan Clinic medical staff to reach out to the local community through participation in community events to provide awareness about services available at the clinic.
According to Gerawat, the clinic currently has 11 health personnel stationed on-site. In addition, there are two medical officers, three assistant medical officers, two nurses, two health attendants, one public health assistant, and one driver.
The clinic provides outpatient medical care, maternal health care, child health care, and outgoing village health services to surrounding areas like Long Jekitan, Long Mekaba, Ba Tao, Long Bee, Long Tikan and Ba Purau.
The rural clinic caters to around 640 patients per month, with approximately 32 patients per day. — DayakDaily
