Field hospital built for possible Covid-19 case increase, says Uggah

SIBU: The Sarawak government’s move to build a permanent field hospital at the Sibu Hospital compound is part of preparations to face any possible resurgence in Covid-19 cases in the future.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (pic), said that the 100-bed hospital, costing more than RM1.6mil, was built in line with the decision of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), and agreed by Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

"We make preparations such as this because we have learned from past experience that whenever there is a surge of cases, bed facilities and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) wards would not be enough," he said.

He said this in a press conference after handing over the field hospital to Sibu Hospital's director, Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu.

Also in attendance was Sarawak Assistant Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee.

Uggah, who was also JPBN chairman, said that similar hospitals would be built in other parts of Sarawak if needed.

Meanwhile, he also reminded the Chinese community in Sarawak, who would be celebrating the Chinese New Year in a few days’ time, to always adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), to prevent the spread and increase of Covid-19 cases in Sabah. - Bernama