Sibu: Six health clinics in Sarawak are among 100 healthcare facilities nationwide set to undergo digital transformation this year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Sibu Hospital, he revealed that the six clinics are Klinik Kesihatan Ba Kelalan, Klinik Kesihatan Balai (Bakam), Klinik Kesihatan Bario, Klinik Kesihatan Batu Danau, Klinik Kesihatan Pa’ Dallih, and Klinik Kesihatan Paloh.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this transformation is part of the ministry’s goal to implement digital systems across all healthcare facilities within the next four to five years. The digital transformation involves the implementation of a cloud-based clinical management system (CCMS) with an allocation of RM19 million. This system is expected to reduce patient waiting times at government clinics from three hours to just 30 minutes.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that the use of CCMS will also help safeguard medical records and data at clinics from being affected by disasters such as floods, as seen in the case of Klinik Pergigian RTC Bekenu, which was submerged in a flood. He added that last year, this digitalisation initiative was implemented in five health clinics in Sarawak, namely Klinik Kesihatan Sebauh, Klinik Kesihatan Tatau, Klinik Kesihatan Bintulu, Klinik Kesihatan Telaga Air, and Klinik Kesihatan UTC Kuching.
In addition, Dr Dzulkefly announced that an extra RM7.8 million in funding had been approved to address condensation issues causing mold growth in the wards of Sibu Hospital. A total of RM1.3 million has also been allocated for the procurement of medical equipment and maintenance work at the hospital.
During his visit, Dr Dzulkefly also toured Klinik Kesihatan Jalan Oya, Klinik Kesihatan Lanang, and Klinik Kesihatan Sibu Jaya. He was briefed on the latest flood situation and long-term development plans for healthcare facilities in the area. He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is also Dudong assemblyman, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, and Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.