BETONG: A combined approach to setting up health clinics is under discussion between the state and federal governments.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said this was discussed with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during their meeting in Spaoh.
According to him, this is aimed at expediting the process of acquiring land for new clinic development.
“In Spaoh, I discussed with Douglas regarding the development of new clinics using a combined approach or method between the state and the federal governments (where) specifically the Sarawak government contributes funds to accelerate the process of acquiring land.
Lukanisman who disclosed this after inspecting Betong Hospital yesterday said land issues are fundamental before projects for inclusion in the Malaysia Plan are proposed.
This year, he said , the Ministry of Health (KKM) has approved the improvement of 39 underserved health clinics.
“Four of them are in the Betong Division, namely Nyabor Health Clinic, Spaoh Health Clinic, Nanga Budu Health Clinic, and Debak Health Clinic.
“While this may not be sufficient, we will step up the pressure,” he said, calling on elected representatives to play their role by putting in requests to the government.
“I will bring it to the minister and the leadership team making decisions to ensure the decisions made are beneficial,” he added.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Member of Parliament for Betong Dr. Richard Rapu.
