The new respiratory clinic at the Sarawak Lawn Bowl Arena in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / THE STAR
KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee has opened a new respiratory clinic to treat non-Covid-19 cases and ease congestion in government hospitals.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the clinic at the Sarawak Lawn Bowl Arena next to the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya here was for those with fever, cough and respiratory problems unrelated to Covid-19.
He said it was different from the Covid-19 screening facility at the Youth and Sports Complex.
"This clinic is for those who need treatment for fever, cough and breathing difficulties but have no contact with persons under investigation (PUI) or anyone suspected to have Covid-19.
"We want to separate the cases and prevent the virus from spreading," Uggah said when visiting the clinic on Tuesday (March 24).
He said the clinic would open from 8am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and its services were free.
He also reminded those going to the clinic to practise social distancing.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who was also present, said the government would consider setting up similar respiratory clinics in Sibu, Miri and other towns should the need arise.
"We start with this one first and see how it goes. The main purpose is to protect people from getting infected, including frontliners such as private practitioners.
"With this facility, all those with cough, fever and shortness of breath can come here instead of going to private practitioners," he said, adding that private practitioners could focus on non-Covid-19 cases.
