Rep says time to decentralise healthcare from Putrajaya

KUCHING: It is time for Sarawak to call for the decentralisation of healthcare from Putrajaya with the funds allocated to the state, said Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek.

“Although healthcare is a federal matter, Putrajaya has failed us in so many areas, such as the inaccessibility and poor state of public healthcare, as well as lack of specialists stationing in Sarawak.

“I believe now is the time for Sarawak to call for decentralisation of healthcare from Putrajaya with the funds allocated to us. Only Sarawakians know what is the best for Sarawak, we want our healthcare autonomy back for a more efficiency, better standards and facilities for the rakyat of Sarawak,” he said during the debate on TYT’s address at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Friday.

On a related matter, Chieng hoped the Sarawak government can identify a location within the Bukit Assek redevelopment area for the federal Ministry of Health to allocate funds for the expansion of Jalan Oya Polyclinic.

He said the polyclinic at Jalan Oya (now known as Jalan Brother Albinus) built in the 1980s now can no longer sustain the heavy workload and increasing number of patients.

“People seeking treatment have come not only from within Sibu but also from the surrounding towns and villages. It is very sad that the condition of long queues and overcrowded is very common here. We need to provide a more comfortable healthcare environment for the public.

“What we should do now is, while preserving this polyclinic, we should expand a new polyclinic at the nearby site, which within the area of Bukit Assek’s redevelopment plan to supplement the increasing medical needs,” he said.

On other development issues, Chieng said there is need for a more comprehensive Sibu traffic plan and solutions from town planning and traffic experts.

He pointed out that traffic congestion is always a nightmare in Sibu, and it’s getting worse now.

“I propose to the State Cabinet to approve the building of a new linked dual road from Jalan Wong King Huo to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and others to divert heavy traffic at the area.

“This is a long waiting project for people of Sibu,” he added.