SANDAKAN – The Sabah Health Department has officially refuted any connection to a donation drive for the Tangkarason Health Clinic in Beluran, which was completely destroyed by fire last Thursday.
In a statement today, Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna clarified that the circulated donation drive on social media was not endorsed by the department.
Asits affirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring continued healthcare services for the Tangkarason community. The clinic’s operations have been temporarily relocated to the Kg Tangkarason multipurpose hall, set to resume on Monday, February 19.
Additionally, Asits assured that the department, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, would prioritise the welfare of the affected healthcare personnel.
“Donations have also been given to two healthcare personnel whose quarters have been destroyed in the fire to ease their burden. They have been placed in a homestay nearby and have been given the Psychological First Aid,” he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Family Medicine Specialists’ Association had initiated a donation drive to support the Tangkarason clinic.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Timothy Cheng, in a post on X, shared details for contributions, emphasising the urgent need due to the fire’s impact on nearly 3,000 residents dependent on the clinic’s services.
Scoop reached out to Cheng for comment on the department’s statement, but he only acknowledged awareness of it without providing further details on the continuation of the donation drive.
Earlier, Sabah Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister Datuk James Ratib said that the rebuilding process for the clinic would take approximately six months, with a total reconstruction timeframe of nine months, including staff quarters.
Tangkarason, situated in the remote interior of Sabah’s Beluran district, is approximately 190km or a four-hour drive from Beluran town and 230km from Sandakan town.
The closest healthcare facility for Tangkarason residents is the Telupid health clinic, located about 175 km or three and a half hours away. – February 17, 2024