SARATOK: This town is in urgent need of an additional healthcare facility to ease congestion at Saratok Hospital.
Kalaka assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, stressed that the federal government should consider establishing a Type Three Health Clinic (KK3) here.
According to him, it is now timely and necessary for Saratok to have another health clinic.
“On average, between 100 and 150 patients seek treatment daily at Saratok Hospital’s outpatient unit.
“Meanwhile, the Maternal and Child Health Clinic (KKIA) records an average of 50 to 100 patient visits per day,” he said.
He said that given these figures, the Ministry of Health (MOH) should give serious consideration to the proposal to establish a KK3 in Saratok, particularly as residents currently have no alternative facility apart from the hospital.
Mohamad made the remarks after the Betong Divisional Health Office (PKB) engagement session held at the Saratok district office meeting room yesterday.
He added that Saratok district, with an area of 1,686.88 square kilometres and a population of 33,694 is currently dependent solely on services provided by Saratok Hospital.
“Other health clinics such as the one in Roban are located nearly 20 kilometres away, which poses accessibility challenges.
“But if a KK3 can be established in Saratok town, it would significantly improve local healthcare services, offering more comprehensive and holistic care.
“For now, the establishment of a KK3 in Saratok is a top priority and very much hoped for by the local community,” he said.
Also present during the session were Kabong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Chee Kadir and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, where the focus was on proposed healthcare facility development projects.
Discussions also covered the Health Facility Roadmap for Saratok and Kabong districts.
Among the issues highlighted were the proposed new site for Roban Health Clinic, the proposed construction of Mid Krian-Bajau Health Clinic and the need for additional ambulance units in Kabong, Nanga Budu, Nanga Atoi and Nyabor.
The session was also attended by Saratok district officer, Muhammad Dino Amid and Betong divisional health officer Dr. Mohamad Norhaizam Ahmad @ Narawi.
