Miri clinic faces staffing challenges

MIRI: The Miri City Health Clinic, which started operation on Jan 2, continues to face a staff shortage of between 40 and 50 per cent, revealed Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

Lukanisman said the clinic is currently functioning with just 50 – 60 per cent staff capacity, indicating a shortage that needs immediate attention from the human resource management division.

“We aim to enhance the clinic’s human resource capacity in the near future. There are ongoing recruitments to fill vital positions as per requests from the Department officials,” he said during his visit to the clinic today.

Assuring the provision of top-notch facilities from the Health Ministry (MoH), he stressed the RM37 million clinic’s capability to serve over 1,000 patients and address the escalating healthcare needs in the Miri region.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by Sarawak’s Health Department (JKS), Lukanisman highlighted the ministry’s efforts to appoint contract medical officers as reserve candidates in Sarawak.

He confirmed that these officers have undergone interviews and secured appointments.

He also addressed the upcoming clinics across Sarawak, highlighting the imminent need for additional human resources, including nurses, medical assistants and laboratory personnel.

“Last year, the prime minister announced plans to appoint nearly 12,500 contract medical officers as permanent staff.

“To date, approximately 5,000 medical officers, pharmacists, and dental officers have been appointed after almost a year,” he added.

Expressing hope for support from health officials in Malaya, Lukanisman suggested the possibility of their assistance in Sarawak if offered.