KUCHING: It is certainly not accurate if healthcare facilities are developed solely based on population ratio as Sarawak is a large state with a widely scattered population, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and DBKU) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He was commenting on Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee’s recent statement that while the federal government’s target of achieving a ratio of 2.06 hospital beds per 1,000 citizens by 2025 is welcomed, it may not be effective in resolving the overall healthcare needs in Sarawak.
“As a vast state, Sarawak needs complete medical facilities in all parts of the state,” said Dr Abdul Rahman when contacted yesterday (Sept 29).
“Most of the complete medical facilities are only available in the urban areas and this makes it difficult for residents living outside the cities,” he said.
He pointed out that most of the healthcare facilities available in the rural areas are not fully equipped. As a result, he said some patients are forced to spend a large sum of money to travel far in order to seek medical treatment.
“Indeed, the government’s initiative to provide complete medical facilities in urban hospitals is a good effort to improve the healthcare system.
“However, complete medical facilities also need to be expanded to rural areas to ensure that residents there do not have to travel far when seeking such services,” said Dr Abdul Rahman.
Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom also agreed with Dr Annuar, adding that accessibility to good healthcare should consider the massive logistical challenges of Sarawak’s largely scattered settlements.
“Remote areas cannot depend forever on flying doctor services, especially during medical emergency situations. That is why all Klinik Desa should be fully equipped with all facilities as well as qualified doctors and other medical personnel,” he said.
Meanwhile, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni noted that such issues had been voiced out many times by elected representatives during State Legislative Assembly sittings in the past few years.
“Healthcare provisions in East Malaysia are still far lagging compared to West Malaysia. East Malaysia needs more equitable healthcare services,” he stressed.
He pointed out that there is a smaller distribution of doctors and specialists in East Malaysia, especially in district hospitals. On top of this, he said there is lack of amenities and poor supporting infrastructure.
“Priority should be given to Sarawakian doctors for permanent posts, especially in rural Sarawak. Many rural clinics do not have doctors.
“It is high time for the federal government to review these matters and provide a more holistic health ecosystem for Sarawak,” said Dr Hazland.
