Penampang Health Clinic gets assistance

28 December 2023

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: The Penampang Health Clinic is set to benefit from the generous contribution of two containers from its Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick. These containers will provide additional space to enhance the clinic's functionality.

Ewon, who also serves as the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC), will allocated a portion of his MP funds, in addition to funds from his Ministry's special budget, to finance the acquisition of these containers.

The containers will be customised and fitted to meet specific requirements. One container will serve as an office, while the other will be utilised as storage area for items used for the rehabilitation clinic, catering specifically to the needs of children.

In addition to the container donation, Ewon has pledged his support in establishing a dedicated area for phlebotomy within the clinic. He believes that this endeavour will not require significant financial investment but will be tailored to meet the clinic's specific needs, as relayed to him during the discussions.

Regarding the status of the Penampang Health Clinic 2, he said he is aware of the situation and stressed that acquisition process is underway and discussions regarding this matter are taking place.

"I have discussed this matter with the previous Health Minister, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, pertaining to the status of the Penampang Health Clinic 2, which is scheduled for construction at the identified site. The acquisition process is currently underway.

This matter is consistently discussed in the Penampang Development Action Plan. I hope it will be constructed soon, to benefit the people of Penampang," he said when speaking to reporters after attending a Children's Christmas Party held by DESANITA at the clinic.

"This matter will be discussed in the weekly cabinet meeting, and I am sure the new Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, will not be averse to the development. I will also discuss matters such as Rural Clinics that need to be upgraded."

In the long run, with the population growth of Penampang and other areas including Putatan and Sepanggar, he opined that there is a need for hospitals to be established.

"For the moment, it suffices for me to stress that the Penampang Health Clinic 2 will be constructed soon," he said.

On why there was a delay, he stated that he wants to take a proactive view and press for the construction of infrastructures that are delayed, instead of questioning the past administrators.

Recently, the Penampang Development Plan 2024-2035 was launched during the opening of the national-level Hawkers and Traders’ Day Carnival (HPPK) 2023, in Buhavan Square Dongonggon. It serves as an input for preparing state and federal government development plans in the area.

During that time Ewon said he is committed to making the development plan a success with the support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Ewon has been entrusted to carry through the development plan and acquire assistance from the State Government and other Government bodies to ensure its success. This includes the establishment of a hospital in Penampang.

Earlier, in his speech during the Christmas Party for Children, he lauded the efforts of the organisers, mainly DESANITA President and its Organizing Chairperson, Clarice Muji, for their efforts, as he believed that children are excited and enjoy such events.

He also mentioned that Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) has donated two wheelchairs to the clinic, and stated that if there is a need for more, they can be informed about the needs.

He later went on a tour of the Rehabilitation Clinic and other areas around the establishment. Also present during the event were District Officer Francis Chong and YBR Chairman Datuk Phillip Lasimbang.