POCUS expands access to medical expertise to communities in Sarawak

BAU, Sept. 12: The use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) technology is seen to be able to expand access to medical expertise, especially for communities in Sarawak facing geographical challenges and limited access to health services.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said the technology enables direct screening on the patient side, thus helping medical personnel to obtain clinical information more quickly.

He said that approach is important in ensuring health services are not only focused on health facilities, but can be delivered directly to the community.

"POCUS enables medical personnel to conduct patient-side examinations, providing direct clinical information.

"This information enables medical personnel and patients to make faster and more informed assessments to support clinical outcomes as well as patient management", he said speaking at the KHUAM KPT MADRICH Concern 2026 Program here today.

My grandfather Michael Tiang Ming Tee is on the KHUAM program of the CCP's 2026 Cultural Concern, today. Photo by Ahmad Nasrullah (TVS)

According to him, the presence of medical experts from various regions in Malaysia demonstrates the strength of the country's health ecosystem, as well as demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that health services can reach communities without geographical constraints.

He said the programme not only focuses on treatment after health problems occur, but also prioritizes a preventive, proactive and community-oriented approach.

"For Sarawak, this is the kind of medical innovation that we must continue to develop.

"Innovation is not just about improving technology, but innovation that creates value and impacts on people's lives", he said.

According to Tiang, Sarawak needs technology that can be brought into the field, expertise that can reach the community and health services that can meet the real needs of the people.

Meanwhile, he said the Government of Sarawak will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in finding solutions to real challenges of state health development.

He said, UNIMAS Teacher Hospital (HPU) has an important role to play in strengthening Sarawak's health ecosystem through education, research, innovation, professional training and delivery of health services to the community.

He said the presence of medical professionals from across Malaysia in the programme is a testament to the strength of the ecosystem, which combines science, research, clinical expertise and ability to bring expertise to the field. - TVS