KENINGAU: Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib wants only competent contractors to work on projects involving the upgrade of health facilities in Sabah.
He, therefore, called on implementing officers to identify competent contractors to get the projects completed on schedule.
He said that most projects, including those of the Ministry of Health, were unable to be completed on time due to incompetent contractors.
“We do not want development projects for the people, especially those related to health and the wellbeing of the people to be done half-heartedly,” he said.
In this regard, he advised the project’s implementers to ensure satisfactory project implementation and to monitor it on a regular basis.
He also requested that the Health Clinic Panel allocation grant be increased from RM5,000 to RM10,000 per year.
“This is to enable the committee members to plan and implement related activities,” he said after officiating at the 12th Clinic Advisory Panel Convention organised by the State Health Department at the Sports Complex.
A total of RM30 million has been allocated by the Federal Government to upgrade a total of 50 health clinics in Sabah next year.
He said the implementation of the projects is under the 4th Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He said the State Government is appreciative to the Federal Government for increasing the provision as it will benefit the State Health Department.
“This proves the Federal Unity Government’s concern towards the health and wellbeing of the people of Sabah,” he said.
James, who is also Sabah State Health Exco, said this year the State Health Department only received an allocation of RM10 million from the Federal Government for the same purpose.
On the same note, he hoped the allocation for health services facilities will continue to be prioritised for Sabah.
Meanwhile, State Health Director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna is happy with the hosting of the convention.
He said the involvement of the Health Clinic Advisory Panel throughout Sabah is very encouraging.
