SIBU: The expansion of the Jalan Oya Health Clinic in Sibu holds significant importance, especially given its location within the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project area.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek highlighted the clinic’s importance, stressing that it is one of his electoral commitments.
“As the health clinic is. situated within the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project, its expansion is crucial to ensure Bukit Assek possesses a comprehensive healthcare centre.
“Although the healthcare jurisdiction falls under the federal government, we as the state government will do our part to ensure it continues to operate even better in line with the needs of the local community,” he said in his speech at the Sibu media night, attended by 48 media practitioners last night (Jan 29).
Chieng noted the clinic’s current strain, as it serves well beyond its intended capacity of 200 patients daily, now attending to 1,000-1,200 individuals daily.
“Imagine how busy and cramped the health clinic is when it receives such a large number of patients. Therefore, the expansion project is much needed,” he said.
Chieng said he had also informed Federal Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni about the issue, indicating it would be raised with the ministry for further action.
“I will also bring this matter to the Land and Development Protection Board (LCDA), the implementing agency for the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project, to determine necessary actions for the health clinic,” he added.
Meanwhile, during his recent visit to the clinic on Jan 16, Lukanisman said the Ministry of Health (MoH) is exploring options such as relocating the clinic or constructing a new one to ease the strain.
