Status report to ensure priority for clinics
LONG BEDIAN, Baram: The State Health Department will come up with a comprehensive report on the condition of clinics across the state, revealed Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said this is to ensure that clinics and other health facilities in Sarawak would be given utmost priority by the federal government, similar to the treatment given to dilapidated schools in the state.
“We want to improve further the health services in Sarawak and are in the process of gathering these much important data.
“With comprehensive report on the dilapidated schools, the federal government has allocated RM1 billion to help in the repair works on these schools across the state. Thus, it is our hope that we would also be able to assist clinics and other health facilities and services in Sarawak,” Dr Annuar told The Borneo Post when met during a visit to Long Bedian Health Clinic here recently.
“We want to identify the needs of each clinic, including the placement of medical officers. My focus lies on rural clinics as it is time for the rural folk to enjoy good health services,” he added.
Dr Annuar revealed that out of the 204 clinics in the state, 116 still did not have a doctor.
With an average of 30 patients per day receiving medical assistance at Long Bedian Health Clinic, it is vital to have at least one doctor stationed there, said Dr Annuar.
“With all these essential health facilities and services, local residents would no longer need to travel far, especially to Miri, and spend lots of money to obtain certain health services,” he added.
During the visit, Dr Annuar announced an allocation of RM10,000 to Long Bedian Health Clinic for holding activities, including a health camp.
“During this health camp, we can hold comprehensive screening exercises for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. We can also call in doctors and specialists to participate in this camp.
“It should serve not only local residents here in Long Bedian but also those around its vicinity,” he added.
Long Bedian Health Clinic assistant medical officer Desmond Sebastian conducted a slides presentation and briefing on the clinic including its history, problems and achievements, to an audience of over 50 comprising residents of Long Bedian, local medical personnel and dignitaries.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, state Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim, divisional medical officer Dr Veronica Lugah, representative of Long Bedian Health Clinic medical advisory panel Jok Eng Jok and SMK K9 Long Bedian principal Jau Jok Jenggo were among those present.
Jok expressed his hope for the 27-year- old clinic to be moved to a new location soon.
“We cannot expect for this clinic to be repaired any longer. Our intention is for this clinic to be moved to a new location,” said Jok of the dilapidated clinic.
“We (village committee) have identified a 12- acre land for the new clinic. We just hope that the state government can fulfil our wish for the clinic to be relocated as soon as possible.
“One of the factors why we desire to have a new clinic at a new location is that this health clinic not only caters to Long Bedian residents but also over 20 nearby villages including more than 500 secondary school students here,” he added.