KUALA LUMPUR: Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan has reiterated calls for the federal government to upgrade the Nabawan District Health Clinic to a full-fledged district hospital, Sabah Media reported.
During the Royal Address debate in the Dewan Negara, Bobbey highlighted the necessity of the upgrade in response to Nabawan's designation as a full district and its growing population, now exceeding 30,000 residents.
"With the rapid development and economic activities in line with the new capital of Indonesia, Nusantara, Nabawan district has also become a focus for visitors.
In addition, with the presence of Nabawan District Hospital, residents in the Pensiangan constituency and surrounding areas have the opportunity to access comprehensive healthcare facilities without having to travel far to Keningau District Hospital or Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu for treatment or follow-up care.
"This also helps reduce the financial burden on patients who are unable to afford expensive medical expenses," he said.
Bobbey urged the finance and health ministries to collaboratively expedite the upgrade process, eliminating bureaucratic delays, to facilitate better healthcare accessibility and reduce travel burdens for patients seeking advanced medical treatments in distant cities like Keningau or Kota Kinabalu.