Lukanisman: RM100 mln announced by Premier meant to renovate run down clinics, build quarters

SIBU (Sept 7): The RM100 million allocation announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last June for renovation of poor health clinics will also be used to build living quarters.

Deputy Health Minister Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that currently RM50 million was received from the Malaysia Health Ministry (KKM) along with another RM50 million from the state government.

“The Premier himself emphasised that this provision should also be used to establish quality clinics when replacing the clinics that have been identified throughout Sarawak,” he said.

Lukanisman was speaking at the inauguration of the state-level ‘Healthy Malaysia National Agenda (ANMS), Health and Prosperous Malaysia Month (BMBB) and One Hour Malaysia Clean UP (1HMCU)’ programme, held at SMK Agama here today.

During the state-level Gawai dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching last June, the Premier was quoted to have said that the Sarawak government will allocate RM200 million to rebuild poor schools and clinics in the state.

Of that amount, the Premier added, RM100 million will be used to repair schools and another RM100 million for clinics.

Lukanisman, who is also Sibuti MP, said the project, for which RM100 million has been allocated, would be implemented over the period of 18 months.

“The Sarawak Health director has identified all the locations and we will present them to stakeholders, especially to the Premier and the responsible minister, regarding the design and the costs involved.

“At the same time, we are also rehabilitating and building new clinics under the Bitara Madani project, which started last year.

“This year, we have approximately 39 poor clinic projects that are ongoing. These projects range from full replacement to the replacement of critical problems seen in health clinics throughout Sarawak,” he added.

Touching on the ‘ANMS, DMSS and 1HMCU’, Lukanisman said the programme, which started on Aug 15, involves 15 locations throughout Sarawak and will conclude at SMK Petra Jaya Kuching on Oct 8.

Thousands of students gather for the ANMS tour that aims at delivering an effective literacy programme to the younger generation, he added.

“This programme is significant, especially in light of the prevalence data that indicates a sudden rise in e-cigarette usage recently.

“We are also running a national-level programme called ‘War on Sugar’, which aims to encourage reduced sugar intake in daily nutrition,” he said.

Also present at the event were State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah and her deputy Dr Rohani Mat Bah.