RM17 bln needed for upgrading 12 dilapidated health facilities, Minister urges quick Federal endorsement

Siburan health clinic is in a dilapidated state and can no longer serve the increasing needs of the local populace.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 14: The Sarawak government estimates that RM17 billion is required for the upgrading and development of about 12 dilapidated clinics and hospitals identified in Lundu, Kabong, Kapit, Sarikei, and Daro, among other areas.

Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, hopes that the Federal government will endorse some of these projects, given that Sarawak is the first in Malaysia to offer to finance Federal education and health projects upfront and be reimbursed later to expedite their implementation.

The ‘pay first, reimburse later’ initiative was agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Sarawak on March 30 this year.

“Rather than waiting for the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s RMK (Malaysia Plan) funding, at this rate, some of the Federal healthcare projects may not even have funding under RMK 14, let alone in the next RMK 13,” he told the august House during his ministerial winding-up speech today.

With the Sarawak government pioneering the provision of initial financing for the upgrading and development of healthcare infrastructure and facilities to expedite their implementation including revitalising rundown clinics in Sarawak, Dr Sim disclosed that health clinics of Kabong, Nyabor, Bena anad Mujong have been identified for redevelopment and rebuilding.

“This will enable the realisation of long-term plan for new healthcare development projects in Sarawak such as health clinics of Nanga Sama, Nanga Pelagus, Saratok, Biawak, Sarikei and Lundu Hospital.

“The Sarawak government is determined to expedite the completion of all delayed projects including Daro clinic and Daro dental clinic through this proposed mechanism,” he said.

Dr Sim assured that a technical committee, headed by the national secretary-general from the federal government and Sarawak secretary representing Sarawak government, has been formed to work through the details of this proposed initiative. — DayakDaily