KUCHING: The Sarawak government will back the request of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) to have 36 more ventilator points immediately at a cost of RM1.3 million.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said currently, the hospital had 72 ventilator points.
“As health is under the federal government, together with SGH, we will fight for the RM23 million allocation needed for 36 full-fledged intensive care unit (ICU) beds,” he said in a Facebook post after visiting SGH today (May 1).
Joining him during the visit was Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU)) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
In another Facebook post, Dr Sim said Medi Hotel, located at the new block of the SGH, would have 160 extra rooms for quarantine.
“Thanks to Dr Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman, DBKU senior officers and SGH for working together.
“Playing our role and doing our part … Let’s pray for the best and prepare for the worst,” he said.
Also present during the visit was SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung.
