FDS remains vital to rural health services

PADANG, Sept 13: Air Doctor Service (FDS) will continue to be maintained as an important component in delivering health services to rural Sarawak communities.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the helicopter crash tragedy involving the service was an important point for reassessing methods of delivery of health services in rural areas.

"The tragedy not only resulted in loss of lives, but also caused Sarawak to lose valuable expertise especially in the health sector which is still facing a shortage of doctors and nurses.

"It makes every individual victim a huge deal for Sarawak", he said as he met the media at Debra Moset's residence in Padawan, today.

According to him, the Sarawak Government is currently awaiting an official report on the disaster before deciding further action to avoid any speculation about the cause of the incident.

He said the report was important to enable stakeholders to investigate aspects that need to be improved including safety and methods of delivery of health services to rural communities.

"The Government of Sarawak will continue to provide the necessary cooperation and assistance", he said.

Meanwhile, he said the use of technologies such as telecommunications, drones and artificial intelligence (AI), in addition to improving road facilities and building more clinics should be explored as an alternative and support for FDS-TVS.