Government plans safer FDS service

THE Sarawak government is formulating proposals to improve and strengthen the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), which is currently suspended following the fatal Long Lellang helicopter crash on Sept 8.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the proposals would cover operational safety, the suitability and capability of air assets, emergency training and preparedness, as well as the welfare and protection of personnel.

He said the government would also strengthen healthcare service delivery methods for rural communities to ensure continuity of care during the suspension.

“The government will continue to evaluate and improve the methods of delivering healthcare services to rural areas, taking into account aspects of safety, effectiveness and service continuity, to ensure that rural communities continue to have access to the necessary healthcare services,” he said in response to Datuk Friday Belik (GPS-Krian) during question and answer session on Friday (Oct 16).

Tiang said inter-agency contingency plans had been activated to maintain uninterrupted emergency care while the FDS helicopter service remained suspended.

He said life-saving medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) from remote areas were being coordinated through alternative government air assets, including the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Air Unit, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Air Wing and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

He said suitable alternative healthcare delivery methods would also be used to ensure communities in affected localities continued to receive necessary healthcare services.

Tiang said the government’s approach would take into account the findings of related assessments and investigations, the healthcare needs of rural localities and appropriate alternative service delivery methods.

“This is to ensure that the continuity of healthcare services can be maintained while prioritising safety and effectiveness,” he said.

Tiang also conveyed the Sarawak government’s deepest condolences to the families of the four healthcare personnel and helicopter pilot who died in the crash, saying they had lost their lives while carrying out their duties to bring essential healthcare to remote communities.