21 dilapidated MOH clinics in Sabah rebuilt, 26 upgraded

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 12): More than 150 wooden health clinics under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Sabah are currently categorised as dilapidated, with 21 being rebuilt through the Bitara Madani programme.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that in addition to the new constructions, 56 clinics will be repaired and upgraded through funding from the same programme.

“In Sabah, we have about 150 to 160 dilapidated wooden clinics, of which 21 are being demolished and rebuilt. Meanwhile, 56 other clinics will be repaired and upgraded through allocations under the Bitara Madani programme,” he said after officiating the convocation ceremony of the Ministry of Health Training Institute (KKM) Sabah Zone for the year of 2024 at the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute (IPGM) Gaya Campus here on Saturday.

Lukanisman added nearly RM21.5 million had been allocated specifically for the Bitara Madani programme for the demolition and construction of new clinics.

He noted that the programme introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also provides greater workspace for MOH staff and clients.

“For example, at the Klinik Kampung Takuli, the original wooden structure measuring 1,000 square feet has been demolished and replaced with a concrete structure of about 2,600 square feet, which includes quarters for staff who are single.

“This is one of the designs proposed by the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS), and we are also implementing this programme nationwide,” he added.

When asked about his hopes for the 2025 Budget, he stated that MOH hopes the allocation can be increased, especially for emolument payments and to ensure sufficient medicine supplies.

“Certainly, this budget allocation will be used for development and we also anticipate a significant increase in allocations for upgrading or projects for dilapidated clinics.

“This is to benefit and reduce the gap in clinic facilities between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.