RM7.84 BLN NEEDED FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF DILAPIDATED HEALTH CLINICS IN S'WAK - DR SIM  

KUCHING, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Sarawak requires RM7.84 billion to redevelop all dilapidated health clinics throughout the state, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said 76 per cent, or 206 out of 271 health clinics throughout Sarawak, are in poor physical condition.

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

“For the upgrading and redevelopment works of hospital facilities, RM9.24 billion are required, resulting in a total of RM17 billion to improve the health facilities in Sarawak,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here today.

Dr Sim, who is also State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the federal government has agreed to allocate RM50 million with a matching fund provided by the state government for the development of 12 dilapidated health facilities. 

He said all these projects are currently at pre-implementation stages.

Meanwhile, Dr Sim said as of Oct 30 this year, Sarawak State Health Department had received RM2.64 billion in operating funds and RM473.39 million in development funds from the Ministry of Health. 

He said these funds are 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.

-- BERNAMA