SANDAKAN - YB Calvin Chong Ket Kiun once again raised the issue that has long plagued the people of Sandakan, namely the increasingly urgent condition of Sandakan Hospital that requires serious attention from the government. This issue is not new; it has persisted for a long time without a comprehensive solution that can truly provide relief to the people.
Sandakan is the second largest major city in Sabah and an important economic center on the East Coast of the state. Sandakan's position as a center for trade, tourism, education, and services has led to rapid growth with an increase in population and rising health care needs over time.
However, it is very disappointing that the available health facilities have not developed in line with current needs.
Sandakan Hospital not only caters to the needs of the residents of the Sandakan district but also receives referral patients from nearby areas such as Beluran, Kinabatangan, Telupid, and several other districts on the East Coast of Sabah. This situation places a much heavier burden on the hospital compared to its existing capacity.
The reality today shows that the people are facing various increasingly worrying problems. Among them are overcrowding of patients in the emergency department and specialist clinics, a shortage of wards and patient beds, long waiting times for treatment, a lack of parking spaces, and high work pressure on health workers who continue to serve in challenging conditions.
At the same time, health workers carry out their duties with full dedication, but without sufficient manpower and appropriate infrastructure, this situation certainly undermines the smooth delivery of health services.
The main question that arises is why the development of Sandakan Hospital continues to be delayed. Why does a major city like Sandakan still have to wait too long to enjoy better health facilities? What has Sandakan done wrong that the development of the hospital in this district seems to always lag behind?
The people are increasingly frustrated as they only hear announcement after announcement, yet tangible changes are still too slow. In matters concerning health, delays are not just administrative issues but can have direct effects on human lives.
YB Calvin Chong Ket Kiun emphasizes that the people of Sandakan are not asking for anything excessive. The people's demand is merely the basic right to receive efficient, comfortable, safe, and quality health care as enjoyed by other areas.
In this regard, YB Calvin Chong Ket Kiun urges the state government to take immediate and concrete actions as follows:
1. Increase the capacity of beds, wards, and medical specialists
The increase in population and the number of patients require a larger hospital capacity. The addition of new wards, patient beds, and specialist doctors must be implemented immediately to reduce congestion and expedite treatment.
2. Expedite the upgrading project of Sandakan Hospital
All projects that have been announced previously must be expedited. The people no longer want to hear promises without action. Sandakan Hospital requires a comprehensive upgrade including buildings, modern medical equipment, parking systems, and public facilities.
3. Establish a clear and transparent timeline
The government needs to inform the current status of the projects and the implementation timeline clearly. Transparency is crucial so that the people know the extent of the government's commitment to resolving this issue.
4. Make Sandakan a health hub for East Sabah
With its strategic position and large population, Sandakan should be developed as a primary health referral center for East Sabah. This step will greatly benefit not only Sandakan but also the entire surrounding area.
YB Calvin Chong Ket Kiun also emphasizes that health development is not an expense, but a long-term investment in the welfare of the people and the progress of the state. A developed state must have an efficient health system that can meet the needs of the people.
The health of the people is not a political issue. This matter is not about parties or the interests of any party, but about lives, welfare, dignity, and the rights of the people that must be upheld.
Do not let the people of Sandakan continue to be marginalized. It is time for Sandakan to receive the proper attention and for Sandakan Hospital to be developed in line with the city's status as one of the main centers of Sabah.
YB Calvin Chong Ket Kiun will continue to voice the people's concerns and advocate for this issue until real action is taken.
THE END
