Lawas Hospital to finally open on Sept 7 but staff shortage looms, says Baru

Lawas Hospital, long awaited and finally set to open on September 7, faces a significant shortage of medical personnel, according to Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian. The 1,014 positions available currently have only 300 filled, with just 20 of those locals from Lawas. Baru emphasized the urgent need for more qualified Sarawakians to join the staff at the newly inaugurated facility.

He stated, "We need more medical professionals. This is a rare opportunity to work in a brand-new hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, in an environment built for both comfort and purpose." Touring the hospital with director Dr Douglas Chu Kin Soon, Baru highlighted that more healthcare professionals would enable the hospital to operate at full capacity and bolster healthcare services in northern Sarawak.

He expressed pride in the realization of the long-delayed vision, noting that residents will no longer have to travel to Limbang, Miri, or Kuching for essential care. The new hospital, classified as a minor specialist one, offers 76 standard beds and four more in the High Dependency Unit, along with modern facilities such as a fully equipped laboratory, pharmacy, kitchen, secure records room, expanded dialysis area, and a dedicated paediatric study room.

Baru praised the hospital's understanding of patients' needs, stating, "These details show a deep understanding of patients' real-life needs."