SEMPORNA: The Health Ministry has approved an allocation of RM380,000 for infrastructure repairs to provide an Alternative Birthing Centre (ABC) at the Bum Bum Island Health Clinic near here.

       Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (pic) said the establishment of the ABC would allow pregnant mothers on the island to give birth at the health clinic, without having to go to the mainland of Semporna.

       "This will save time, expenses and ease the burden of the people here. About 40 babies are born here (Bum Bum Island) every month," he told reporters after visiting the Bum Bum Island Health Clinic on Friday (June 17).

       Dr Noor Azmi also said that the Health Ministry strove to improve services to the people, including the islanders, and that was in line with the government's desire to prioritise the welfare of the people.

       Meanwhile, Semporna Health officer Dr Shameer Khan Sulaiman said the ABC only focused on normal and safe delivery cases while complicated delivery cases would be referred to the Semporna Hospital.

       "I expect the centre to operate by the end of the year and the deputy minister's visit today is to review applications related to the need for assets and equipment for the establishment of ABC.

       "The RM380,000 fund is for infrastructure, while about RM200,000 is needed for equipment to start the ABC service to the residents here because the high birth rate on the island makes it necessary to have their own birthing centre," he said.

       Dr Shameer Khan added that there was a need for Semporna Hospital to be upgraded to a specialist hospital due to the increase in population and tourism factors. - Bernama