14,830 Sarawakians affected by FDS suspension

The health ministry says it is reassessing healthcare services for each locality based on accessibility and local conditions.

In a statement, the ministry said seven FDS teams were affected by the suspension, which followed the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, which killed five people on Tuesday.

“The ministry is reassessing healthcare services for each locality based on accessibility and local conditions, while maximising alternative modes of transport by land and water.

“Alternatives will only be used after risk assessments covering route conditions, travel time, weather and vehicle suitability to ensure the safety of healthcare personnel.”

The ministry said some localities faced significant geographical and infrastructure constraints.

For example, it would take residents of Pa Tik up to two days of walking to reach the Bario health clinic.

Meanwhile, Ba Itam, Ba Abang and Long Tebangan residents would need to travel between four and 10 hours to reach the Long Bedian health clinic following disruptions to routes and the collapse of bridges.

For these high-risk areas, the ministry said it would strengthen cooperation with the fire and rescue department and armed forces, particularly for emergency medical evacuations.

The ministry said the duration of the FDS suspension would depend on the outcome of the official investigation into the helicopter crash.

The ministry said FDS operations would only resume once it was fully satisfied that the operational capabilities and service delivery system were safe.

It said its approach was aimed at ensuring continued access to healthcare through risk-based, phased and accountable measures without compromising the safety of healthcare personnel and patients.

The FDS was temporarily suspended following the crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak, which killed five people, four of whom were health ministry staff.