PUTRAJAYA: If given extra time, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) says he would want to focus on upgrading dilapidated health facilities and address human resources issues.

Speaking at a media interview, Khairy said his visits to health facilities in rural Sarawak, Sabah and Kedah revealed to him how a lot of the ministry’s infrastructure are in dire need of attention.

"If I had additional time, I would like to focus on upgrading these facilities.

"When I first became Minister, we were at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and we had to deal with that.

"The pandemic has taught us the importance of having ample healthcare services.

"So, now that the pandemic has subsided, we must not put these lessons to waste," said Khairy during the interview on his achievements in one year of helming the ministry.

Khairy said currently, there were 2,732 clinics that were in neglected and run-down condition in the country, but yet these facilities were still in operation in order to cater to the healthcare needs of the people.

"It saddens me to witness the condition of many of our public clinics, particularly those in rural areas.

"Some of the conditions are not only unconducive to work in, but they are hazardous for both patients and healthcare workers.

"Hence, I have requested a special budget from the Finance Ministry to be approved in Budget 2023.

"It will be for the upgrading of building infrastructure, as well as adding and replacing medical equipment," said Khairy.

Budget 2023 will be tabled on Oct 7.