4 MARCH
2009
State
Government Looking Into Options to Quickly Resolve Shortage of Hospital Beds in
KK
The Sabah State Government is seriously looking
at State initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Government to resolve
the shortage of hospital beds as a result of the closure of the Tower Block at
In expressing concern
over the matter, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said new initiatives that
would provide more hospital beds in the shortest possible time would be looked
into immediately.
“We are aware of the
urgency of the situation. The interest
and safety of patients are paramount. I
have discussed with my colleagues in the Cabinet and we agree that we must look
at options that can resolve the problem quickly.”
Musa who is also Finance
Minister said this in a statement after chairing the State Cabinet meeting at
Wisma Innoprise today.
He said medical
consultants have been called in to weigh out the options available while
waiting for a new hospital to be built.
“We are still looking
towards the Federal Government to provide allocation for a fast-track
construction of a new hospital in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
While there was a
proposal to purchase Sabah Medical Centre, Musa said alternatively, for the
same amount of money it would cost to buy SMC, the government could provide
more hospital beds and medical facilities in the state.
End.