Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian (centre) chatting with deputy ministers Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (left) and Datuk Michael Tiang at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Health Ministry has allocated RM42.74mil for the repair and upgrading of health clinics in Sarawak this year, says Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said 206 out of 271 clinics throughout the state were currently in poor physical condition.
These include 175 health clinics, 20 community clinics, nine maternal and child clinics and two village clinics.
Of the funds allocated this year, Dr Sim said RM11.74mil was for upgrading, renovation and repair works.
"RM19mil is under the dilapidated clinic budget and RM12mil is for rural clinic services," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly during his winding-up speech on Tuesday (May 14).
Dr Sim also said the Sarawak government would pioneer the provision of initial financing for healthcare development projects in the state, to be reimbursed later by the Federal Government.
He said the Kabong, Nyabor, Bena and Mujong health clinics had been identified for redevelopment and rebuilding under this initiative.
In addition, he said the initiative would facilitate the implementation of long-term plans for new healthcare development projects in Sarawak, such as Klinik Kesihatan Nanga Sama, Klinik Kesihatan Nanga Pelagus, Klinik Kesihatan Saratok, Klinik Kesihatan Biawak, Klinik Kesihatan Sarikei and Lundu Hospital.
"The Sarawak government is (also) determined to expedite the completion of all delayed projects related to Klinik Kesihatan Daro and Klinik Pergigian Daro through this proposed mechanism," Dr Sim said, adding that the preliminary estimate for these clinics could cost up to RM17bil.
"We hope the federal government will endorse some of these projects rather than waiting for Health Ministry funding under the next Malaysia Plan," he said.
