Hotels in Kuching support health tourism Sarawak

KUCHING, 6 Oct: The hospitality industry in Kuching has the potential to become part of Sarawak's health tourism ecosystem as private hospital capacity expands to receive more patients from abroad.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the addition of high-quality health facilities not only attracts patients but also provides plenty to the hospitality sector when their family members are in Sarawak during treatment.

"This provision of high-quality healthcare will certainly attract outpatients to come, stay in hotels with families and shop here", he said as he was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of The Everly Lhesson Kuching Hotel, here today.

According to him, KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital is adding capacity of 200 beds, while Borneo Medical Centre is also expanding, besides health facilities in Timberland, a new branch of the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Northbank and plans for expansion of Normah Hospital in Petra Jaya.

Brother Johari said the need for accommodation continued after patients completed their treatment in hospital.

"Their treatment passes are also very important. After being in the ward for a week or two, they can stay at this hotel, relax and enjoy the facilities provided comfortably", he said.

He said that improved aviation network is also complementing the ecosystem, especially through the Kuching-Jakarta direct flight plan which has the potential to open a wider market for Sarawak's healthcare sector.-TVS