Sarawak allocates RM4.85 mln in anticipation of sudden increase in Covid-19 cases

Uggah (centre) flanked by Buckland to his right and left Dr Veronica holding up an informative leaflet on the Paxlovid pill after a press conference at his ministry today.

KUCHING, Dec 21: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has announced that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved a sum of RM4.85 million for the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in preparation for the surge of Covid-19 cases.

Uggah, who is also the chairman of SDMC, revealed that the approved funds are necessary to support and strengthen the Sarawak State Health Department’s ability to tackle the rising trend in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Among the allocations is RM2 million for the construction of an 88-bed field hospital at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching.

“The field hospital had been planned earlier but there were insufficient funds, so yesterday the Sarawak Premier approved RM2 million as funding for it,” he said at the press conference at his ministry today.

Uggah explained that a field hospital with 100 beds in Sibu is already completed, and one with 100 beds in Miri is under construction.

The additional field hospital in Kuching is meant to provide more spaces for patients in case the health department requires them.

The government also approved RM2.1 million to replenish Paxlovid stocks, ensuring an adequate supply of the antiviral pills to treat Covid-19, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

“It is essential that we have enough stock, especially in light of the coming festive season. This RM2.1 million allocation is to buy 800 packs,” he said.

Furthermore, RM300,000 was allocated to replenish Rapid Test kit (RTK) professional saliva test kits, providing a faster and more reliable test for the presence of Covid-19.

Additionally, RM450,000 will be used to set up canopies at hospital garage areas to shelter patients, with 150 canopies distributed to clinics throughout Sarawak.

Uggah emphasised the importance of vigilance and adherence to standard operating procedures as Covid-19 cases continue to surge.

He assured that the State government is ready to support the health department in tackling Covid-19 for the well-being of Sarawak.

Deputy State Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik and Deputy Sarawak Health Department Director, DrVeronica Lugah, were also present at the press conference. — DayakDaily