The Cough and Fever Clinic which has been operating in a carpark for the past three years.
DURING the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cough and Fever Clinic at Jalan Oya Health Clinic in Sibu, Sarawak, operated out of the carpark.
This was to separate those ailing with cough and fever from the rest of the clinic’s patients.
However, this rudimentary arrangement exposed patients to rain and sun.
After three years, things are about to change.
“At the moment, the clinic is operating at the covered carpark with canvas partitions and banners to shield patients and staff from rain and sun.
“I cannot let the doctors and nurses work under (such) poor conditions,” said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng when visiting the site.
“Sibu district health officer Dr Teh Jun Hun had approached me to look into the matter.
“Together with the Sibu Hospital Visitors Board, we are working on the design and budget for the clinic for the Sibu Health Office’s approval,” he added.
Chieng said eight parking spaces would have to make way for the construction of the clinic, which was expected to cost about RM150,000.
The money, he said, would come from his minor rural project fund.
The clinic was moved from the main building during the movement control order in 2020.
Currently, about 70 fever and cough patients seek treatment at the clinic daily.
Chieng said the project was part of his polyclinic upgrading programme.
Another part involved the relocation of five air-conditioner compressor units next to the clinic’s pharmacy.
The relocation was necessary as heat from the compressors was causing discomfort to patients waiting to collect their medicine.
Chieng also provided RM3,000 for the installation of four wooden blinds at the Jalan Oya Satellite Clinic.
