By Karen Bong
MIRI, Oct 27: The new additional building for Miri Hospital with capacity of 328 beds is expected to ease congestion for patients in Bintulu Hospital, Marudi Hospital, Limbang Hospital and Lawas Hospital when completed in 2023.
Minister of Health Dato Sri Dr Adham Baba emphasised that the upgrading of facilities at Miri Hospital would help to decrease the beds’ occupancy rate by 11 percent.
“The new facility is expected to decrease the bed occupancy rate from 81 percent to 70 percent.
“The new building once complete by end of 2023, will have a positive impact on the community in Sarawak,” he addressed the earth-breaking ceremony for the new building of Miri Hospital which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg here today.
With this additional 328 beds, Miri Hospital will then have a total of 667 beds.
The scope of the project includes an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, specialist clinics (Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatric and Surgery), operating theater, labour room, CSSD & RHU, pharmacy and medicine store room.
The upgrade aimed to improve the functions of the hospital into a resident specialist hospital that provides secondary and tertiary care services.
Dr Adham said the upgrading project with an estimated cost of RM340 million was approved by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister’s Department and is implemented under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).
“This demonstrated the government’s commitment and aims of providing people-centric healthcare services to the people,” he said.
In an effort to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services to all Malaysians, Dr Adham pointed out that the Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to achieve the ratio of two hospital beds per 1,000 residents by the end of 2025.
“Under the 12MP, MOH will focus on upgrading healthcare facilities as well as existing facilities to enhance the country’s primary healthcare system.
In line with the government’s aspiration, MOH continuously takes proactive steps in improving healthcare service delivery as well as upgrading of health facilities, building new facilities and offering new healthcare services to both urban and rural populace,” he added.
The government, Dr Adham stressed, wanted to achieve affordable and accessible healthcare services for the betterment of the people.
“With these approaches, I am confident it will create a healthy and active society and to improve the socio-economy of people,” he said.
Dr Adham also expressed appreciation and gratitude to all front liners especially in Sarawak for working tirelessly in fighting the Covid-19 as well as its strategic partner, Public Works Department (JKR), in ensuring that the delivery of health services to people were not affected during this difficult time.
Minister of Local Council and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Works Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, and Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting were among those present. —DayakDaily
