Kota Kinabalu: The proposed upgrade of Ranau Hospital, which includes the construction of a new clinical block, is still at the stage of identifying a suitable site, said Assistant Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal.
She said the State Government is also addressing the shortage of doctors and healthcare personnel in rural Sabah, including Paginatan, through the cluster hospital system introduced by the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS).
“The Ranau Hospital upgrading project involving the construction of a new clinical block is still at the stage of identifying a suitable land site.
“To address the shortage of doctors and healthcare personnel in rural areas throughout Sabah, including Paginatan, the Sabah State Health Department has introduced the cluster hospital service.
“This approach integrates nearby specialist and non-specialist hospitals and clinics to share resources, expertise and facilities,” she said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday.
Rina said residents in Paginatan can also seek treatment at nearby health facilities, including Klinik Desa Bongkud, Klinik Desa Matupang, Klinik Desa Nalapak, Klinik Desa Narawang and Klinik Desa Tampios.
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Responding to a supplementary question from Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong on whether the ministry has data to identify districts frequently affected by specific diseases to facilitate the deployment of specialist doctors, Rina said the ministry maintains comprehensive healthcare data to guide resource planning.
“We have very inclusive and detailed data, not only on disease clusters. We know where kidney disease and tuberculosis clusters have been identified.
“We also have complete data on the equipment required at every district hospital. Wherever urgent follow-up is needed, we have placed it as a high priority to ensure consistent follow-up and obtain results as quickly as possible,” she said.
Rina was responding on behalf of the ministry to a question from Paginatan assemblyman Datuk Rusdin @ Musidi Riman, who asked about the status of the Ranau Hospital upgrade and measures to address the shortage of doctors and healthcare personnel in rural areas, particularly in Paginatan.
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