JAMES (centre) visiting the construction works of the new Tangkarason Health Clinic which was destroyed in a fire in February 2024.
BELURAN: The Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR), Datuk James Ratib urged the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) to fill 210 vacancies for Medical Officers (doctors) in Health Clinics throughout the state of Sabah.
According to him, the vacant position needs to be filled to enable more effective services to be received by the people, especially in rural (inland) areas.
“In the Beluran area alone, a total of 26 Medical Officer (doctor) positions have not been filled including three at the Sungai-Sungai Health Clinic.
“For the record, the Sungai-Sungai Health Clinic receives an average of 70 to 90 patients per day, and the clinic is equipped with only Medical Assistants (MAs).
“I also ask the Ministry of Health to fill all vacant positions at Health Clinics and Maternal and Child Health Clinics throughout Sabah,” he said.
James, who is also Sabah State Health Exco, said this in conjunction with a series of 3-day working visits to several Health Clinics (KK), Mother and Child Clinics (KKIA) and Hospitals on 27-29 July 2024.
Among the centers he visited were Sungai-Sungai Health Clinic, Tangkarason Health Clinic in Paitan, Beluran Mother and Child Clinic and Beluran Hospital.
Meanwhile, regarding the construction status of the Tangkarason Health Clinic, he found that the construction work was progressing slowly with work progress as of July 27, approximately 30 percent completed.
“This is behind schedule. However, it is understood that this delay is due to the rainy weather factor during the earthworks. I was also told, this project will be completed in October or November,” he said.
The Tangkarason health clinic building, which is made of wood, was destroyed in a fire last February 2024 and the reconstruction of this building involved a cost of RM989,000.
“Whatever the reason, I will always monitor the construction work of this building from time to time and ensure that this project is completed according to schedule and is not categorized as a sick project.
“For the time being, Tangkarason Health Clinic services are operating as usual at the Mini Dewan Kg. Tangkarason building with limited and not conducive medical facilities.
“As the State Health Exco of Sabah, I want all staff such as Medical Officers (Doctors), Medical Assistants (MA) and Nurses in health clinics in the state of Sabah, especially rural areas (inland) to provide the best and quality services to patients who come for treatment,” he said.
James, who is also the Sugut Assemblyman, added that patients who come for treatment deserve the treatment and services they deserve.
“This is to avoid unwanted things happening to patients and also public complaints related to dissatisfaction with the quality of services,” he explained.
