DUN Sarawak: Air Doctor services temporarily replaced with mobile clinics, boats

KUCHING, 16 Oct: Health services to residents in rural Sarawak will be resumed via alternative methods following the temporary suspension of Air Doctor Service (FDS) following helicopter crash at Long Lellang, Baram, on 8 September.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said the move was to ensure that people in affected areas continue to have access to necessary health services.

"Alternative methods implemented include mobilizing clinic teams moving by road using four-wheel drive vehicles and river transportation using boats to accessible areas", he said.

He said this while answering the question of Krian Member of State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Dato Friday Belik, at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference here today.

Michael said the government will continue to assess and improve methods of delivery of health services in rural areas taking into account aspects of safety, effectiveness and sustainability.

He said interagency contingency plans were also activated to ensure that emergency medical transfer services are not affected during the temporary suspension of FDS helicopter operations.

"The emergency medical transfer (MEDEVAC) operation from remote areas is being coordinated using alternative government air assets, including the Malaysian Bombing and Rescue Department Air Unit (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police Air Mobility Force (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM)", he said.

He said that the government is also making proposals to improve and strengthen FDS overall in order to ensure that the service will be safer and more effective in future.

"The improvements include aspects of operational safety, fitness and capability of air assets, training and emergency preparedness, welfare and protection of personnel, as well as strengthening the delivery methods of health services to rural communities", he said.