RM11 mil to upgrade Debak health clinic with new maternal, child, dental facilities

Mohammad Razi, Richard, and others during the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed demolition and construction of the new maternal and child health unit and dental clinic block at the Debak health clinic on Oct 2, 2026. Source: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

DEBAK, Oct 3: The Debak health clinic will be upgraded through a proposed RM11 million project to demolish the existing structures and build a new block housing the maternal and child health unit and dental clinic.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Children, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam said the project is an important transformation to replace the existing clinic building, which is old and made of timber, with limited ward facilities and medical technology.

The project has a 20-month implementation period, from July 27, 2026, to March 26, 2028.

He said the new clinic would be equipped with more modern and comprehensive facilities, improving comfort and the quality of healthcare services for the local community.

“What is important is that we are striving to provide truly comprehensive facilities equipped with the latest technology at Klinik Kesihatan Debak in the future,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed demolition and construction of the new maternal and child health unit and dental clinic block at the Debak health clinic here on Friday (Oct 3).

The Saribas assemblyman said the clinic would benefit not only residents in the Debak administrative district but also those in surrounding areas, complementing the health clinics in Pusa and Spaoh and Betong Hospital.

He also proposed expanding the area surrounding the clinic to address parking needs once the new building is completed.

“This issue should not be used as an excuse for us not to proceed with development because the problem of the old building is itself an issue for us. So, we are transforming it into a better concrete building to replace the timber structure,” he said.

Meanwhile, Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu said the redevelopment of the clinic was a positive development for the local community as it would provide better and more comfortable healthcare facilities.

According to him, the clinic would become one of the more comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Betong Division, with facilities such as X-ray, laboratory, and haemodialysis services, strengthening primary healthcare services while helping to reduce the burden on Betong Hospital.

He also stressed the importance of providing maternal and child health and dental services so residents can undergo antenatal check-ups, baby and child examinations, and dental treatment without travelling long distances.

At the same time, he hoped the clinic’s physical development would be supported by sufficient medical and dental personnel, as well as appropriate equipment, to ensure healthcare services could be delivered effectively.

Mohammad Razi and Richard also hoped the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR), as the technical agency, would work closely with the contractor to ensure the project could be completed ahead of schedule.

According to Betong Divisional Health Officer Dr Mohamad Nurhaizam, the project scope involves demolishing the existing timber blocks and constructing a new two-storey building, with the maternal and child health clinic unit on the ground floor and the dental clinic on the upper floor.

The project also includes mechanical and electrical works, including installing air-conditioning systems, dental chairs, medical equipment such as oral X-ray equipment, and extra-low voltage (ELV) services. — DayakDaily