Govt Committed To Enhancing Quality Of Health Services, Facilities In Sabah

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The federal government, in collaboration with the Sabah government, will continue to work towards enhancing the quality of hospital and health clinic services for the well-being of the people.

State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said that this effort is being carried out through continuous financial allocations from the federal government to either construct new, upgrade, or add health facilities such as health clinics and hospitals throughout Sabah.

"A total of 25 (new) health clinics in the state are under construction with a cost of RM18.8 million, and they are expected to be completed by this month. Meanwhile, electrical system upgrades have been fully completed at 33 health clinics, costing approximately RM2.7 million.

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"This year, RM10 million has been allocated to upgrade the buildings of 14 health clinics for the comfort of all," he told Bernama.

James also said that the government has expedited the reconstruction of the health clinic in Kampung Tangkarason in Paitan, Beluran, after it was destroyed by fire earlier this year, with the construction cost approaching nearly RM1 million.

"The Tangkarason Health Clinic is currently operating from the village hall since Feb 19, and its reconstruction is now 88 per cent complete. The facility is expected to be ready by Nov 30, with medical and non-medical equipment worth an estimated RM450,000 provided to the clinic.

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"A twin quarters to accommodate clinic staff will also be built next year, with an estimated cost of RM500,000," he said.

James added that under the ‘Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat’ (ANMS), the government is committed to promoting the well-being of Malaysians by fostering a healthy lifestyle, including in Sabah.

"To this end, the government has allocated RM1.1 million this year for the upgrading and repair of ANMS 2.0 wellness hub in Sabah," he said.

He also emphasised the government’s commitment to improving oral health standards in rural areas through mobile dental clinics and campaigns to encourage preventive dental care.

"Recognising the need, the government has procured vehicles and equipment for four mobile dental teams in Sabah this year, costing RM1.8 million," he said.

James also highlighted the requirement of RM208 million to replace, add, and procure medical assets for 24 government hospitals and health clinics across Sabah. This includes 50 four-wheel-drive ambulances, 120 ambulance vans, and four boat ambulances, specifically for health clinics in Karakit (Pulau Banggi), Jambongan (Beluran), Pulau Nunuyan (Sandakan), and Sungai Tamang (Pulau Sebatik).

"Health clinics in Sabah urgently need critical medical asset replacements and additions, such as 135 ultrasound machines, 115 cardiac defibrillators, and 15 fundus cameras for each district. There is also a need for replacing patient waiting chairs and procuring 300 emergency beds for 150 health clinics," he said.

James stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships in improving healthcare services in Sabah to optimise available resources.

"This can enhance access to healthcare services, ensuring more effective and high-quality care. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health collaborated with private hospitals, clinics, and laboratories to address the surge in cases in Sabah.

"This partnership included outsourcing medical services, particularly surgeries or procedures for non-COVID-19 patients that were delayed. This initiative involved 23 government hospitals and 31 private hospitals, with an allocation of RM49 million for 3,764 surgeries or procedures across 19 clinical disciplines," he added.

Meanwhile, Persatuan Jalinan Kasih Harapan Rakyat Sabah chairman Sammie Liew said the organisation has actively worked with government health clinics and hospitals to promote healthcare awareness for rural communities.

She said the Ministry of Health conducts various health awareness campaigns, including blood donation drives, mental health campaigns, anti-smoking programmes, and cancer awareness initiatives.

"Among the health programmes organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Persatuan Jalinan Kasih Harapan Rakyat Sabah is a heart disease prevention programme in Merotai. Various activities were held, including heart condition screenings, free HPV vaccinations, free health check-ups, and talks by cardiology specialists," she said.

Hendica Johhni, 40, a plantation worker from Paitan, Beluran, expressed hope that the government would reinstate community clinics and mobile health clinics to improve access to healthcare for rural residents.

"Sabah is big. For example,  it is very far from Paitan to Beluran Hospital. If residents have no vehicles during an emergency, the situation could become critical. To me, community clinics should be reopened in remote areas," said Hendica.

A government pensioner, Binan Japar, 61, hoped the number of staff in critical hospital zones in the state would be increased to meet current demands, ensuring that critically ill patients receive immediate treatment.

-- BERNAMA