Dr Sim: Comprehensive study on govt medical fraternity’s working environment to be conducted

Dr Sim (second left) with other invited guests touring the booths offering medical services for free at the carnival.

By Jacob Achoi

SERIAN, Sept 21: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced that a comprehensive study will be conducted to assess the working environment of the government medical fraternity in Sarawak.

Speaking to reporters today, Dr Sim noted that while some practices within the medical environment are commendable, others need improvement.

“In the environment, we will do a comprehensive study because some of our practices are good, and some are bad, so we need to examine our norms,” he said after officiating the National Health Carnival in celebration of Nutrition Month and Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) 2024 at the Serian Conference Centre.

As the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Dr Sim emphasised that the ultimate goal of the study is to create a healthier working environment for medical professionals.

He also highlighted the rising issue of kidney failure in Sarawak, with approximately 300 new cases recorded each year. Dr Sim expressed concerns about the need for additional dialysis machines, asking, “Where do we find the machines?”

Given the situation, he urged the public to adopt a healthier lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of avoiding dialysis treatment where possible.

“It must become our fundamental principle to stay healthy because a healthy society leads to a healthy country,” he stated.

Dr Sim stressed that while the government will continue facilitating programs promoting a healthy lifestyle, the responsibility ultimately lies with individuals to maintain their health.

He also mentioned that cases of high blood sugar and cholesterol levels are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Present at the event were Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem and State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah. — DayakDaily