Kuala Balingian & Balingian Health Clinics Need Upgrading
BALINGIAN: Equipment and infrastructure at Kuala Balingian Health Clinic and Balingian Health Clinic need to be upgraded to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery for residents.
According to Deputy Health Minister Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Kuala Balingian Health Clinic which has been operating for many years currently serves about 50 patients from rural areas, while Balingian Health Clinic has a larger service capacity but also requires improvements.
“Both clinics need upgrades in terms of infrastructure and additional equipment so that healthcare services can be delivered more efficiently and effectively,” she said.
She told reporters while leading the Sarawak Borneo Health Tour (Series 2) at the two clinics on Wednesday to personally assess the condition of rural healthcare facilities and identify the actual needs of residents.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Mukah stated that among the priorities is to strengthen the clinics' ability to conduct basic tests, particularly for chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
“We want patients to no longer need to travel to Mukah Hospital or Bintulu Hospital solely for test confirmation. These facilities should be available at clinic level to speed up treatment before referral to hospital if necessary,” she said.
In the same development, she informed that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has allocated nearly RM200,000 for the provision of medical equipment including ultrasound machines, autoclaves and laboratory facilities.
“In addition, an application to replace the ambulances is also being considered to improve the efficiency of emergency services,” she said.
She added that efforts to upgrade the healthcare facilities would be carried out through cooperation between MOH, the Sarawak State Health Department and the Mukah Division administration.
“As the Mukah MP, I am committed to ensuring healthcare facilities in this area continue to be empowered for the wellbeing of the people,” she said. -UKASnews
