Dr Sim calls for improved healthcare

KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged the federal government to fulfil its responsibilities and provide improved healthcare infrastructure and services to Sarawak.

Dr Sim, also Batu Kawahassemblyman, emphasized that the Sarawak government has consistently called on the federal government to grant healthcare autonomy to Sarawak.

“This step would allow the Sarawak government to offer better medical equipment and care to the people of Sarawak. However, the federal government has not taken these requests seriously,” he stated in a press release today (July 2).

During a recent inspection of the ongoing renovation works at the Batu Kawa Women’s and Children’s Clinic, Dr Sim observed that the project has achieved 38.9 per cent progress since it began in late April 2024.
“However, completing the project by the scheduled date of July 15, 2024, presents significant challenges due to the complexities of renovating an operational clinic,” he explained.

Situated behind the Tian Sze Temple Guang Long Gong, the clinic has suffered from years of neglect, resulting in inadequate facilities. It was only after Dr Sim’s request that the Ministry of Health gave funds for repairing and upgrading the clinic.

The former Minister of Health Malaysia, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, fulfilled her promise by allocating RM300,000 for the clinic’s renovation and upgrade after inspecting the clinic alongside Dr. Sim on September 16 last year.

During Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Sarawak in March, the state government highlighted its need for RM17 billion to repair and upgrade hospitals and clinics throughout Sarawak.

“Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim also agreed that the Sarawak government would initially fund the repair of dilapidated clinics, with the federal government reimbursing the costs later,” stated Dr Sim.

“Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg announced that the Sarawak government would allocate RM100 million for upgrading and repairing dilapidated clinics in Sarawak,” said Dr Sim.

Dr Sim emphasized the need to establish more clinics to meet the demands of the region’s rapid development and growing population.