Kuala Lumpur: The government has been urged to prioritise the construction of a new building for Sibu Hospital, which would house the Cancer Treatment Department and Invasive Cardiology Unit that have already been approved.
The call was made by Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in the Dewan Rakyat recently.
Oscar Ling said Sibu Hospital is the main referral hospital for the entire central region of Sarawak, covering areas such as Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Kapit, Song, and the surrounding districts.
“However, Sibu Hospital is already operating at near maximum capacity. Space is limited, facilities are inadequate, and demand for specialised treatment continues to increase year by year.
“In the plan to make Sibu Hospital the regional referral hospital, a new, fully equipped and modern building is urgently needed and must be included in RMK13. It must be completed within the next five years – not only as a healthcare investment but also as a step towards narrowing the regional development gap,” he said.
Oscar Ling explained that, at present, radiotherapy treatment is only available at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching.
“Imagine a cancer patient from Kapit or Song having to travel such a long distance, bearing high transport and accommodation costs, as well as emotional stress, just for a single session of treatment.
“Healthcare is a basic human right, and all of us in this House have a responsibility to ensure that no region is left behind in accessing safe, quality, and comprehensive care,” he said.
He also urged the government to urgently resolve the relocation and reconstruction of the Oya Health Clinic.
In addition, he called for the immediate implementation of the New Clinic Project in Teguh, beginning with land acquisition and physical works.
“According to the state government, funds have already been identified and approved for the clinic’s construction. However, to this day, land acquisition has not begun, and the people are still asking, ‘When will the clinic be built?’
“I cannot let the people continue waiting on empty promises. Healthcare infrastructure is a basic necessity – not a luxury, not a choice,” he said.
