MANAGING GLOBAL HEALTH THREAT
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has been urged to manage the novel coronavirus outbreak by designating a dedicated medical centre.
State Reform Party Sarawak (STAR) president Lina Soo said that the state already has an existing hospital — Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Hospital (RCBM) — best suited for the purpose.
She explained that the hospital, situated at Mile 13, was dedicated for the treatment of leprosy which has since been eradicated.
“The hospital is still operational, with a few residents who had been cured of the disease but still residing there as they have been isolated from their communities and cannot care for themselves. However, they may be transferred to an alternative government facility for the aged,” she said in a press statement yesterday.
Soo further said that the hospital is equipped with a ward and an outpatient clinic, which can instantly function as a medical centre to manage the outbreak.
“Sarawak has to strengthen its vigilance and disease surveillance as our hospitals are already overcrowded and lacking medical equipment and protective gear,” she said,
Soo was convinced that China would be able to control the outbreak as the Chinese government had moved swiftly to enforce control measures that had been far-reaching and unprecedented in history.
“The urgency lies in supporting lower income countries which have weak health systems in a global fight to prevent the virus from reaching their shores,” she added.
With climate change affecting the world’s weather, patterns and landscapes, Soo said that old and new viruses might emerge in the near future, “Even if we are able to eradicate today’s virus threat”.
“RCBM can be a permanent hospital dedicated to manage any global health threats in the future.”
As such, Soo urged all Sarawakians to be vigilant and practise good personal hygiene at all times.
“Good health is the first line of defence against any form of virus threats, and Sarawak must never let its guard down,” she pointed out.
