SIBU: The central region of Sarawak needs a sophisticated and well-equipped hospital, says Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The Deputy Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister said the move to build a new hospital for Rejang Medical Centre (RMC) is timely.
“I was told just now that they will build a new Rejang Medical Centre. Sibu needs that.
“I’m willing to work together with Rejang Medical Centre so that whatever services the government hospital could not provide, should be provided by the private sector,” he said in his speech when officiating the RMC 21st-anniversary celebration here last night (Sept 30).
The Nangka assemblyman stressed that government hospitals cannot single-handedly provide every service needed by the people, necessitating cooperation with private healthcare providers.
“I will keep on pushing the government to give Rejang Medical Centre a chance in a bigger way to provide better service to the people of Sibu,” he said.
On the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Annuar commended RMC for playing its role in assisting the government during the Pasai clusters outbreak, which resulted in approximately 300 fatalities.
“We have to remain vigilant about the next pandemic, which people think might happen every five years. But now, I think whatever problems we have in Sibu, the spirit during the pandemic has taught us how to work together, irrespective of whether you are Malay, Chinese, Iban, or Malanau.
“That is very important. Sibu, I think, should set that example, not only for other parts of Sarawak but for the whole country, Malaysia, where all of us are able to come together and work together to achieve something that benefits all of us in Sibu,” he said.
Also present were RMC Managing Director Dr John Tang Ing Ching, RMC Pioneer Doctor Dr Peter TangIng Bing and others.
