A SPECIAL task force will be formed to look into the term of reference for Sarawak’s proposed “new implementation mechanisms” to expedite the development and upgrading of dilapidated healthcare infrastructure and facilities in the state.
State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang told the Sarawak assembly today that the task force would be jointly headed by the chief secretary to the government and the Sarawak state secretary.
Tiang said a clinic or facility is deemed as “daif” (dilapidated) “based on the poor physical condition of the clinic buildings”.
These include dilapidated or severely damaged structures, dysfunctional mechanical or electrical systems that directly affect the clinic operations or other safety risks such as structural settlement, building cracks and fire hazards.
“Under this initiative – which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during his recent visit to Sarawak in early April – the federal government will reimburse the Sarawak government for the entire costs at a later stage under the concept of deferred payment or other business model as may be agreed by both parties,” he said.
By adopting this proposed mechanism, the Sarawak government will be able to proceed with the planned programme on addressing the dilapidated clinics and health facilities efficiently and at a lower cost, he added.
“We will not wait for the funds to be made available by the federal government to do this.”
He said the proposed mechanism will push forward the long-awaited critical healthcare projects that have been delayed due to various factors, especially funding.
“This initiative will enable the Sarawak government to assist the federal government and Health Ministry in upgrading healthcare services for the rakyat by providing better equipment in our healthcare facilities faster,” he said when replying to a question by Bawang Assan assemblyman Wong Soon Koh during question time.
Tiang said all issues raised about the status of implementation and timeline of the upgrading of dilapidated clinics and hospitals in Sarawak which have funding issues, will hinge on the success of the term of reference (TOR) and details of the new funding mechanism for upgrading healthcare infrastructure and facilities.
He said as of December last year, there are 206 dilapidated clinics and health facilities in the state, with 51 of them in urban areas.
Ting also told the assembly that at the same time, the Health Ministry in 2023 approved a total of 39 projects valued at RM8.497 million for Sarawak to upgrade dilapidated clinics and healthcare facilities.
They include partly repairing infrastructure, provision of treated water, rewiring, replacement of genset, and repainting among others.
He reported that all of the 39 projects were completed in the same year.
For this year, RM19 million has been allocated, he said, for the implementation of another 39 dilapidated clinic projects, including six in the urban areas.
He said under this fund, one clinic will be rebuilt with the balance of 38 projects that will involve the upgrading and improvement of infrastructure, acquiring equipment and enhancing medical services in underserved areas. – The Vibes, May 7, 2024
