KAPIT: The need to upgrade healthcare facilities and strengthen rural healthcare services in Kapit will be discussed at a follow-up meeting between the Ministry of Works (KKR) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) next week.
This follows a visit by Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, together with Deputy Economy Minister, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, to Bleteh Health Clinic and Kapit Hospital to assess the needs and actual condition of healthcare facilities in the area.
Shahar said on-site assessment is important to ensure development planning takes into account the actual needs of the community, particularly matters requiring immediate attention.
“Planning must be based on the current situation on the ground and not merely confined to what is on paper, while also taking into account local needs and urgent matters,” he said when met by the media after visiting Bleteh Health Clinic and Kapit Hospital today.
According to Shahar, the follow-up meeting involving KKR and MOH would examine the issues identified during the visit, as well as measures to expedite preliminary works.
Among the needs identified are a shortage of personnel and vehicles to support rural healthcare services, dilapidated quarters, as well as the need to improve hospital facilities.
Other needs include waiting areas, parking facilities, road access and medical equipment to support the delivery of healthcare services to residents.
During the visit, the delegation also inspected the Emergency Department, Haemodialysis Unit, specialist clinics, outpatient counter, Pharmacy Unit, CT Scan facilities and echocardiogram machine at Kapit Hospital.
Shahar said existing plans needed to be reassessed to ensure planned projects not only addressed current needs but also provided long-term benefits.
The visit is part of the Targeted SDG Programme 2026, which focuses on sustainable development issues and challenges at the district level through interventions based on local needs.
