76% of 271 health clinics in Sarawak in poor condition

 

Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says the state has received RM2.64 billion in operating funds and RM473.39 million in development funds from the health ministry as of Oct 30 this year. (Facebook pic)

KUCHING: 

Sarawak requires RM7.84 billion to redevelop all the dilapidated health clinics in the state, says Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said 76%, or 206 out of 271 clinics in Sarawak, were in poor physical condition.

“These include 175 health clinics, 20 community clinics, nine mother and child health clinics, and two rural clinics.

“In addition, RM9.24 billion is required for the upgrading and redevelopment work of hospital facilities.

“So, in total we need nearly RM17 billion to improve health facilities in Sarawak,” he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly here today.

Sim, who is also state public health, housing and local government minister, said the federal government had agreed to allocate RM50 million with a matching fund provided by the state government for the development of 12 dilapidated health facilities.

He said these projects were currently at the pre-implementation stage.

Sim said the Sarawak health department had received RM2.64 billion in operating funds and RM473.39 million in development funds from the health ministry as of Oct 30 this year.

He said these funds were allocated for operational expenses, human capital development, minor upgrades and the repair of health facilities, in addition to hospital and clinic support services, including the procurement of medical equipment.

“Currently, there are 26,631 government healthcare personnel, including 2,447 on a contract basis, serving in Sarawak against 30,373 approved posts,” he added. - FMT