KOTA KINABALU: Following the devastating fire on Feb 14 that razed the Tangkarason Health Clinic, the Health Ministry has approved an allocation exceeding RM1.04 million for its reconstruction, Sabah First Info reported.
Sabah State Health Department Director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, announced that the approved funds also encompass minor repairs to the Tangkarason Village Hall, valued at RM50,000.
Asits also mentioned that the health ministry sanctioned RM362,600 for the procurement of medical assets.
"The department requested funding from the ministry for the construction of a new facility and quarters for KK Tangkarason.
" Consequently, the ministry has sanctioned RM1,040,000 for the new building construction, including RM50,000 for minor repairs at Kampung Tangkarason Hall," he said.
The clinic, previously destroyed in the February fire, has been operating from Kampung Tangkarason Hall since Feb 19.
The construction of the new clinic building, hall repairs, and medical asset acquisition are underway, managed by the Beluran Area Health Office.
Following the fire, which also destroyed the quarters, temporary accommodation has been arranged with a health ministry-approved RM500,000 funding for 2025 to construct new twin quarters.
Addressing the staff shortage at the Tangkarason clinic, Asits stated that a medical officer transferred to the Johor state health department in July 2023, with regular visits from Paitan Health Clinic's medical staff.
"Efforts are underway to station a permanent medical officer at theTangkarason clinic soon. As for the Assistant Medical Officer positions, one officer's departure for advanced diploma training will be offset by a new replacement this April," he said.