The Health Ministry (MOH) has prepared by establishing 453 alternative clinics for the 552 MOH health facilities at-risk of flooding nationwide. The alternative clinics will be fully operational and provide services to patients in MOH health facilities affected by flooding during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) expected to occur from this November until March next year. The ministry has taken comprehensive measures, focusing on the readiness and capacity of healthcare personnel, medical equipment, supplies, and vehicle assets.
“We are always prepared. MOH diligently monitors the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) situation and we work closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), as the central agency,” said Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the Health Minister. “At the state level, we maintain constant communication and collaborate with the State Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) and the District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD).” She shared this during her working visit to Chemomoi health clinic (KK) and Telemong KK on October 6.
In a separate development, Dr Zaliha mentioned that MOH is closely monitoring 28 ‘sick or problematic’ projects involving various construction projects nationwide. The supervision, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (PWD), aims to ensure that each project is completed according to the original schedule. The ministry also takes action to stop tenders for contractors encountering problems.
“The main problem encountered by these contractors, causing delays in construction projects, include financial issues and manpower shortage for on-site tasks,” explained Dr Zaliha. She provided an example of a sick project at Chemomoi KK, involving the construction of a dialysis centre that was supposed to be completed last month but is only 50 percent completed. As a result, the ministry has terminated the previous contractor’s services and will reissue the tender to appoint a ‘rescue’ contractor who can ensure its completion no later than next year.
The dialysis centre, when completed, will benefit approximately 29 patients from Bentong as well as dialysis patients from around Bera. In addition, the ministry agreed to provide X-ray services at the Chemomoi KK to improve service quality for local residents and reduce congestion in nearby hospitals. Regarding the construction delay at the Telemong KK, Dr Zaliha mentioned that MOH has held meetings with the appointed contractor, and they have assured to expedite the construction and complete it by the end of this year. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
