Sarawak ready to assist federal rural healthcare

PADAWAN: Sarawak is ready to assist the Federal Government in strengthening rural healthcare, including improving the Flying Doctor Service (FDS).

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said FDS remained an important part of rural healthcare, with many communities having benefited from the service over the years.

He said there is a need to look at how the service could be further improved, including through technology and better healthcare facilities.

He also said the state government was willing to discuss with the Ministry of Health (MOH) areas where it could provide assistance.

“Regarding the FDS, we never question the need for it. It is about how we can improve it further.

“This included exploring the use of teleconsultation and drones, improving road facilities and providing more clinics.

“So, depending on what the Federal Government requests, we will definitely help. We will help in whichever way we can,” he told reporters when met while paying his last respects to the late Debra Moset at her family home in Kampung Semadang today (Sept 13).

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the incident was also a reminder of the importance of the nurses, doctors and pilots who had dedicated themselves to the FDS over the years.

“We also want to thank the nurses, doctors and pilots who have dedicated themselves to this service over the years.

“You can see from the different postings that so many people have shared their own experiences, and I want to thank everyone,” he said.

He said the helicopter crash was one of the saddest days for Sarawak and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those involved.

“Our deepest condolences go to the families, the husband, the mother and the two children. I hope that together we will overcome this tragedy,” he said.

Regarding the incident, Dr Sim said he had raised the matter with the relevant Ministers, adding that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had expressed his deepest sympathies during the MA63 meeting in Kota Kinabalu in the presence of the Prime Minister.

He said the Sabah Chief Minister had also conveyed his condolences, noting that the Flying Doctor Service was not exclusive to Sarawak but was also provided in Sabah.

“Moving forward, there is a need to look at what else we can do with technology, including teleconsultation and drones, as well as improving road facilities and having more clinics,” he said.

He added that advances in technology, including drones which were not available 10 years ago, could now be considered as part of efforts to improve healthcare services in rural areas.

He also said that such developments could also include AI-assisted doctors and nurses, as well as drones and other technologies, to further strengthen healthcare delivery.