KUCHING: State Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck has come out to clear the air following misgivings over health facilities in Lubok Antu.
Firstly, he said construction of a Type 4 Health Clinic there was held up by the Covid-19 pandemic and again by unsatisfactory work progress which led to a contract termination and a re-tendering process.
He also stressed that information stating many patients have to wait for treatment outside the existing clinic is untrue.
Dr Ooi was reacting to article in myMetro dated Nov 13 titled “Residents should already enjoy more comfortable health clinic facilities.”
He said the construction of the health clinic in Lubok Antu was approved by the Economic Planning Unit under the Fourth Rolling Plan of the Tenth Malaysia Plan in 2015.
“The Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak was appointed as the implementing agency for this project.
“The project commenced after finalising the project cost and completing the procurement process in 2019,” he said.
However unsatisfactory progress despite granting an extension to the contractor led to PWD recommending termination of the existing contract and re-tendering.
“The contract was terminated in the middle of this year,” he said, adding, “PWD Sarawak is currently reassessing the outstanding work at the site to obtain the latest cost estimate.”
According to Dr Ooi if there is a cost increase, the Ministry of Health would need approval from the Ministry of Economy.
“The re-tendering process can only proceed after obtaining the latest cost decision,” he explained.
As for claims that many patients have to wait for treatment outside the clinic, he said the waiting area at the Lubok Antu Health Clinic can accommodate 50 patients at a time.
“And the tent initially set up outside the clinic during the Covid-19 pandemic is now used as additional waiting space, capable of accommodating 20 patients.”
He added that congestion occurs only during peak hours in the morning when most patients arrive with family members.
The average daily attendance recorded in 2022 was 136 patients, not exceeding the capacity of the existing Type 5 Health Clinic.
“Furthermore, treatment activities are conducted inside the clinic building, contrary to what was stated in the newspaper,” he said.
