KUCHING: Sarawak, more than any other states, is in need of the 1Malaysia (1M) Clinics or Community Clinics.
This is by virtue of the state’s geographical vastness, scattered population, the wide people-to-doctor ratio, and absence of roads.
This was said by Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family, and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah when asked for her opinions on the Health Ministry planning to close 33 out of the 346 1M Clinics nationwide.
“It must be based on our needs and in Sarawak, besides consideration on equality, equity is also crucial,” she said.
At the same time, the minister also fully agreed on the location of these clinics as they must not be where there is already a public hospital or health clinic nearby.
“Again, it must be based on the needs of the people and politicians and civil workers must be professionals in our approaches when it comes to planning and implementing policies, programmes, and services for the people.
“The people always come first,” she said to New Sarawak Tribune via WhatsApp. It has been reported that the 33 1M Clinics would be closed in stages after the issue is being brought to the Cabinet.
The remaining 1M clinics would then be revamped into Community Clinics with several new changes that will be implemented with the revamping.
