By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 23: A long-term plan to construct a new Type 2 clinic on Lot 1120, Block 33, Sarikei Land District, along with Divisional Health Office and Divisional Pharmacy Office, will be proposed under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to replace Sarikei health clinic.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang revealed that the proposed new Type 2 health clinic will provide comprehensive services including outpatient care, maternal and child health, laboratory and radiology services, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and dental care.
“The existing Sarikei clinic now handles between 600 to 800 patients daily. Expansion of the waiting area that was completed in 2021 had improved the congestion issue. For the year 2023, RM800,000 has been approved for repair and upgrading works at Sarikei health clinic,” he explained.
He said this during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting in response to Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii’s query on whether the Sarawak government plans to expand or build a new polyclinic to cater to the growing local population, as the current Sarikei health clinic has exceeded its capacity.
Despite these improvements, the facility, which began operations in August 1993, continues to serve a population of approximately 67,300 residents within a limited space of 2.96 acres and a car park with capacity for just 35 vehicles.
To immediately address congestion, Tiang said efforts have also been made to enhance services at nearby Julau and Pakan health clinics, both Type 4 facilities. These include the deployment of permanent doctors, regular visits by family medicine specialists, and the introduction of radiology services at Pakan clinic since 2021.
“These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to decentralise care and encourage patients to seek treatment and follow-ups at their nearest clinics,” he added. — DayakDaily
