Premier: S’wak to loan Putrajaya RM100 mln for rural health workers’ quarters upgrades

KUCHING (Sept 6): The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has set aside RM100 million to improve the workers’ quarters of health personnel serving in rural areas across the state, said the Premier.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this state allocation would serve as a form of loan, which should be reimbursed by the federal government.

“This is to help ensure that medical officers and nurses serving in rural clinics have access to better living quarters. Healthcare personnel in rural clinics deserve a comfortable place to live in.

“Therefore, we have agreed to lend RM100 million to the federal government this year for the construction of workers’ quarters for rural health personnel,” he said at the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) 64th annual general meeting dinner here last night.

Abang Johari said the state government will continue this initiative to complement the federal government’s efforts towards providing the best possible healthcare facilities for rural communities.

Towards this end, he said the Sarawak government also approved another RM10 million allocation for the implementation of digital connections at various hospitals statewide to enhance health services.

He said this initiative will involve a digital application that enables all hospitals in Sarawak to connect with one another.

He explained this digital application will allow hospitals across Sarawak to have access to databases that contain patients’ records.

“Which is to say that if patients from outside Kuching visit the Sarawak General Hospital, their records are already available there,” he explained.

He said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian had met with him to discuss the cost of this digital connection.

Abang Johari said he was told that RM10 million would be required to develop the digital application, and the state Cabinet had thus approved the allocation.

When the digital application is put in place, he said patients’ medical records will be accessible at any hospital across the state.

The Premier added this is part of the digitalisation initiative of public services in the state, which serve to enhance efficiency and the quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural Sarawak.

Organising chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap thanked Abang Johari for his support for the MMA and the healthcare sector in Sarawak.

“Your unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the future of medical services in our state. Your exemplary leadership and vision have brought us to a better and prosperous Sarawak,” he said.

According to Dr Liew, Sarawak’s healthcare landscape is unique, and close collaboration between key stakeholders including the Sarawak government, the Ministry of Health, and MMA are key to effectively address the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.

“Let us strengthen our partnerships and look forward to even greater achievements in the years to come. Together, we are building a healthier and stronger future for Sarawak and Malaysia,” he added.