New RM183 mil Lawas Hospital opens door to better, closer healthcare

Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Photo: Facebook

By Doreen Ling

LAWAS, Sept 14: The completion of the RM183 million Lawas Hospital reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that the people of Lawas and surrounding areas have access to modern and quality healthcare facilities.

According to Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the 76-bed hospital will provide a more comprehensive, safe, comfortable, and conducive healthcare environment, in line with current healthcare service needs.

“With the completion of Lawas Hospital, I also hope that this hospital will serve as a catalyst for improving the quality of healthcare service delivery in Lawas, while strengthening public confidence in the government’s commitment to meeting the needs and well-being of the people,” he said at the handover ceremony for the hospital here today.

At the same time, Nanta, who is also the MP for Kapit, noted the challenges faced during the project’s implementation, particularly from technical and operational aspects.

However, he said, through close cooperation and effective coordination among all parties, the project was successfully completed and handed over.

“I would also like to extend my appreciation to the engineers, supervisors, technical officers, workers and all project personnel who contributed their commitment and efforts throughout the implementation of the project. This achievement is the result of collective effort and cooperation from all parties,” he said.

He also reminded the contractor to continue carrying out its duties and responsibilities throughout the Defect Liability Period (DLP), particularly by taking prompt action on every complaint and defect identified.

Nanta also stressed that the Public Works Department (JKR) will continue post-handover monitoring to ensure the facility functions properly, is properly maintained, and continues to meet the prescribed specifications and standards.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib said the additional facilities at the new hospital include two operating theatres, a food preparation kitchen for patients, nine additional haemodialysis machines, and an ICT laboratory.

“We hope the ICT facilities will not only provide access to important information digitally but also enable consultations with medical specialists who are located far away.

“For example, video conferencing between medical officers and specialists in different locations can help in managing and resolving complex cases,” said the Mukah MP.

Also present were Deputy Premier and Bukit Saria assemblyman Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Deputy Minister of Transport and Limbang MP Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Gumbang; and Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian.

According to a press handout by Sarawak JKR, the project was implemented on June 30, 2020. — DayakDaily