Health Ministry to conduct in-depth look into 'sick' projects

SEGAMAT: The Health Ministry will conduct an in-depth diagnosis before coming up with a solution for"sick" projects involving the development of health facilities in the country, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the ministry will need to identify what the “symptoms” of the sickness are, as different issues require different approaches.

“I have been informed about some of the sick projects that the ministry has in general, but I would like to see this issue in more detail,” she said.

“When we talk about sickness, doctors need to look at the indications, reports, and diagnosis details before we can come up with any solutions,” added Zaliha at a press conference after her working visit to Hospital Segamat on Saturday (Dec 10).

Also present was Health Minister director-general Tan Sri Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

She said this when asked to comment on a report by previous Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin's on the progress of 13 sick projects involving health clinics, hospitals, and living quarters under the Ministry.

On Sept 23, Khairy said that the Ministry has taken proactive action to solve the problem of sick projects involving the development of health facilities in the country through close monitoring of monthly project progress.

"The number of projects will fluctuate each month, but what is important is that every month I will chair a Development Council Meeting at the ministry to ensure closer monitoring will be done.

Khairy had said that the Papar Hospital in Sabah was one of these “sick” projects.

“ This is a project that has been delayed but measures have been taken by the Health Ministry and Public Works Ministry which have succeeded in reducing the delay," he said.