Sri Aman folk want new hospital project to take off without glitch
SRI AMAN: For the majority of the local folk, the indications that the government would build a new hospital here are giving them mixed feelings.
On one hand, many see the proposal as a dream come true after having to wait for about 10 years. However, they also hope that the project would go ahead towards completion instead of stopping half-way after the next state election.
Local businessman Vinci Tiong believes that his hometown really needs a new hospital, as the current one is ageing and lacks many facilities.
“We are very happy to see there are signs that the project will take off, following an earth-breaking ceremony performed by the Prime Minister ( Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) early this year.
“It (new hospital) is the very thing that we have been waiting for more than 10 years. We just hope that the move was not just to fish for votes with the state election coming soon, after which it would just stop.
“We want the government to keep their promise and make sure that the project would be completed,” he told The Borneo Post recently.
Nevertheless Tiong, who runs an automotive service shop that also sells tyres, car batteries and accessories, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for his genuine care and concern for the people.
“These are the key criteria that the people want in a leader. We hope he (Adenan) could continue to serve the state,” he said.
In addition, Tiong said he and his fellow townsfolk also hoped to see colleges and skills-training centres such as polytechnics being established here.
Meanwhile, Tan Huang Hui said while he was happy about the new project, he also hoped that there would be enough doctors and specialists once the hospital was up and running.
According to the 52-year- old teacher, the current facility only has medical officers ( MOs) and as far as emergency cases go, the people still need to be rushed to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching.
For the record, the current hospital has been operating here since 1959.
“I have family members and relatives seeking treatment at the current hospital — it is really sad to see the condition there. The hospital looks so old and without sufficient facilities.
“Even our existing polyclinic is so small and the service is slow — often, we have to wait half-a-day just for our turn to get treatment,” he said.
For self- employed woman who wished to be known only as Maria, her experience during the pregnancy of her son several years ago reflected those faced by many mothers here.
“I had no confidence in having my baby delivered at the old hospital. I went to live in Kuching for two months prior to giving birth to my son at SGH.
“I wasn’t the only one. Many of my friends would think twice about giving birth at the old Sri Aman Hospital.
“I have heard stories about expecting mothers who died en route to the hospital in Kuching.
“Having said this, the proposed new hospital in Sri Aman would bring relief to us all,” she said.
The RM200-million project was among the projects announced for Sarawak during the walkabout by Najib in 2011.
It is reported that works would involve Phase I costing RM9 million, and Phase 2 which covers the design and construction of the structure.
Construction is supposed to commence this year, after the tender was called in February. Najib came to officiate at the earthbreaking on Feb 27, where he also stated that the project should be completed by 2018.