RM1 mln boost for Sarawak General Hospital to train specialists in neuro-related fields

Abang Johari (left) receives a memento from Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak president and organising chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap at the 'State Banquet in conjunction with the 64th National Annual General Meeting - Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)' held at a hotel in Kuching on Sept 5, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Sept 5: The Sarawak government has approved RM1 million to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) to support the training of specialists in neuro-related fields.

This funding, as announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will be used to train staff in operating advanced medical equipment crucial for treating stroke patients, among other conditions.

Abang Johari highlighted the need for enhanced expertise, particularly in handling neuro-related cases.

“I happened to be in SGH to visit a friend who has a stroke and the neurologist there was telling me ‘We have the equipment, but we don’t have enough people to manage it’”, he said during his speech at the ‘State Banquet in conjunction with the 64th National Annual General Meeting – Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)’ held tonight at a local hotel here.

The event was broadcast live via the Sarawak Public Communication Unit’s (Ukas) Facebook page.

He went on to say that the cost of training each specialist is approximately RM300,000, and the allocated funds will cover the training of at least three medical professionals.

The Premier further noted the State’s commitment to improving healthcare access and quality, especially in critical areas such as stroke and cardiac care, which are on the rise due to lifestyle-related issues.

In addition to this, Abang Johari highlighted ongoing efforts to establish Sarawak’s own cancer centre and advancements in linking hospitals digitally to streamline patient record access across the State, further improving the healthcare system for Sarawakians.

As part of the State’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, the Premier also shared plans for future collaborations with global medical institutions and research centres.

He reiterated Sarawak’s commitment to advancing medical research, particularly in areas like infectious diseases and biodiversity-based pharmaceuticals.

In line with these advancements, Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s focus on providing scholarships to students pursuing medical studies, ensuring the State continues to produce qualified healthcare professionals.

“As long as the students are eligible to study medicine in institutions in Sarawak, the government will provide scholarships irrespective of racial background, religious belief, as long as the students can enter the university.

“More so, in 2026, we are giving free tertiary education to Sarawakians in all of Sarawak’s own universities.

“This includes medicine and other disciplines that are needed in our economic transformation programme,” he added. — DayakDaily