By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 14: The construction of the Petra Jaya Hospital is scheduled to be completed in August 2025, with physical completion currently at 71.24 per cent as of April 25 this year.
Highlighting this in the august House when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech today, Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian informed that to date, 76 per cent or 206 out of 271 health clinics throughout Sarawak are in poor physical condition.
These include 175 health clinics, 20 community clinics, nine mother and child health clinics and two rural clinics.
“For 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health has allocated RM42.74 million for repair and upgrading works of health clinics in Sarawak. Of these, RM11.74 million under BP0600 budget is for upgrading, renovation, and repair works, RM19 million is under the dilapidated clinic budget and RM12 million under the BP201 budget is for rural clinic services,” he elaborated.
On these medical facilities development, Dr Sim updated that the construction of an additional block in Miri Hospital has been completed on April 28 this year and is scheduled to be handed over in July.
As for the new Lawas Hospital, the physical progress is at 75.02 per cent and is scheduled to be completed in December this year.
“For Sarikei’s Nanga Kemalih health clinic (Type 6), the fire safety requirement has been completed with inspection done by Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sibu on May 2, 2024.
“It is pending the rectification of Bomba non-compliance. The clinic is expected to be operationalised by second quarter once Bomba support letter for the occupancy of the clinic building is issued,” he explained.
Additionally, Dr Sim said the physical progress for Siburan health clinic is at 99.42 per cent as of April 25 with remaining work involved the connection of electrical supply and testing and commissioning works. — DayakDaily
