SARATOK: In addition to the approval of half a million ringgit by the federal government to upgrade Saratok Hospital, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) is expected to build a new Type Five (KK5) Health Clinic here in the future .
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said it is important to support Saratok Hospital’s services which are increasingly overcrowded with the number of outpatients reaching 250 people a day.
“I welcome the RM500,000 to upgrade the hospital that was built in 1978, it can be repaired as needed.
“But I still hope that KK5 can be established in Saratok, to support hospital services,” he said.
He explained that KK5 is expected to come with a dental clinic in addition to the construction of a new hemodialysis building.
Last year, he added, through the allocation of the Sarawak Government’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), RM200,000 was used to upgrade the roads inside the hospital.
Earlier, he was represented by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kalaka Branch secretary Gapor Ahmad at the bubur lambuk (porridge) distribution programme of the Saratok Hospital Medical Club.
According to him, the programme, which is synonymous with Ramadan, fosters a culture of charity among the community.
“That’s why any non-governmental organisation (NGO) that wants to organise it is welcome to.
“Perhaps it can be diversified with other food donations or several NGOs joining together to hold it. Then, it can be done on a larger scale for the benefit of more people.
“We believe that giving charity during this month of fasting has great rewards. At the same time, it cheers up those who are less fortunate.”
In helping the Saratok Hospital Medical Club, he said he was ready to contribute RM5,000.
“This is my support through a government grant to help NGOs in Saratok in general and DUN Kalaka in particular.
“Especially with the arrival of Ramadan, which is sure to have a lot of programmes arranged.
“I hope we (the service centre) can together enliven Ramadan for the benefit of the people in Saratok.”
Mohamad expressed his appreciation to Saratok Hospital director Dr Dayang Suhaila Abang Mohamed and Saratok Hospital Medical Club chairman Abang Putra Abang Junidi for their work in making the programme a success.
