Dr Sim: Sarawak's healthcare system receives over RM3 bln boost from Health Ministry as of April 30

Borneo Post

6 days ago

Dr Sim speaking with reporters in this file photo. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 27): Sarawak has received a boost to its healthcare system this year with RM2.81 billion in operating funds and RM500.59 million in development funds from the federal Health Ministry as of April 30, said Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said these allocations are being used to strengthen service delivery across the state's healthcare network, including funding for personnel, facility repairs, minor upgrades and medical equipment procurement.
The Deputy Premier said Sarawak currently has 26,978 government healthcare personnel, including 1,907 on contract, out of 30,410 approved positions.
'This underscores the state's commitment to ensuring adequate human resources for its hospitals and clinics,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
In terms of infrastructure, he said two key hospital projects were nearing completion, namely the Petra Jaya Hospital at 87.97 per cent completion as of April 25, and the new Lawas Hospital (91.12 per cent).
Meanwhile, the Serian and Siburan health clinics, both Type 3 facilities, began operations in April, expanding access to primary healthcare services in their respective areas.
Dr Sim also revealed that RM17.26 billion was required to comprehensively upgrade and redevelop health facilities across Sarawak.
'Of this, RM9.25 billion is earmarked for hospital facilities and RM8.01 billion for health clinics. However, 76 per cent or 206 out of 271 of health clinics in Sarawak are considered to be in poor physical condition. An assessment by the State Health Department in 2023 estimated that RM3.1 billion would be needed to redevelop these dilapidated clinics.'
To address this pressing need, Dr Sim said the federal government has approved RM50 million for six critical repair and redevelopment projects.
All six are currently in the pre-implementation phase, with tender processes for four of the facilities expected to begin once JKR Sarawak completes their design work.
'Under the Rintis project initiative, two new clinics — the Nanga Atoi and Nanga Ngungun health clinics — have been approved at a total cost of RM12.8 million.
'The Nanga Atoi health clinic is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the tender for the Nanga Ngungun health clinic is now under evaluation,' he said.
For the year 2025, he said a total of RM48.8 million has been allocated for the upgrading, renovation, and repair of clinics across Sarawak.
This includes RM40 million under the Bitara Madani initiative, RM7.5 million under the BP201 budget for rural clinics, and RM1.3 million under the BP09 budget for staff quarters.
He also said that to further enhance specialist care in the state, the Health Ministry has approved RM14.5 million each for the establishment of Invasive Cardiac Laboratories (ICLs) at Miri and Sibu Hospitals.
'An additional RM12.5 million has also been allocated to replace the existing ICL at the Sarawak Heart Centre, enabling continued excellence in cardiac care,' he said.
On cancer care, Dr Sim updated that the Sarawak Cancer Centre project remains in the pre-implementation stage.
'JKR Malaysia, the appointed implementing agency, is currently finalising the cost estimation for the planned 310-bed facility, which is expected to serve as a regional hub for cancer treatment and care once completed,' he said. development Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting healthcare