Sarawakians poised to enjoy better healthcare services

As we usher in the New Year, individuals are formulating their resolutions and eagerly anticipating various developments.

Within the healthcare sector, one of the most highly anticipated developments of 2024 is the profound impact expected from the Health White Paper (HWP).

According to Dr Teh Jo Hun, a Public Health Medicine specialist and Sibu Divisional Health Officer, the HWP has been endorsed by Parliament last year (2023) and is poised to chart the pathway for better health for all Malaysians.

“Together with strong leadership at the Ministry of Health as well as support from the Sarawak government, the health sector will see very positive developments,” he added.

Coinciding with Dr Teh, Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences said that with the HWP, there is renewed hope for us in Sarawak to enhance our healthcare services.

“Understanding our unique challenges, I believe that greater autonomy could enable us to manage our resources more effectively.

“Now, six months into this new phase and witnessing changes in health leadership, we are optimistic that significant progress is on the horizon,” he stressed.

Previously, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee was reported as saying HWP paves the way for Sarawak to gain its public health autonomy as it spells out what Sarawak wants for its public health services.

“It will allow the state to make our own decisions regarding health services and fund allocation.

“For example, at the national level, there is an oversupply of doctors. But at the state level, the ratio is still underachieved, and we still need a lot of doctors and nurses in Sarawak.

“Sarawak is a big state, we still need a lot of resources to be allocated to every part of the state to further improve our public health services,” he told reporters after receiving the Kembara Merdeka Convoy at the Sibu Central Market on June 18, 2023.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the HWP with a majority voice vote on June 15.

‘New year, new me’ is the most heard quote when we welcome the new year; hence, New Sarawak Tribune asked the health expert on what personalised health resolutions or habits they would recommend for individuals to prioritise in order to enhance their overall health and prevent common health issues.

Dr Helmy, in response, emphasised the need for the public to reconsider their food choices and the impact of food on their health.

“We Malaysians eat too much. Our relationship with food is deeply ingrained in our culture. From a young age, we’re surrounded by an abundance of food, and it becomes a central part of our entertainment and social life.

“This enthusiasm often extends to the digital world, where we eagerly share and popularise various foods, sometimes overlooking their health implications. This trend is particularly concerning for families with young children.

“There’s a growing tendency to consume ultra-processed foods like hot dogs, nuggets, and fried items, often mistakenly perceived as suitable, even healthy, options for kids. It’s crucial that we reconsider our food choices and their impact on our health,” he said.

He also added that there is an urgent need to embrace a more active lifestyle. Moving more and sitting less should be a daily goal.

“If we can shift our focus to healthier eating and increased physical activity, we’ll be well on our way to a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. Getting these fundamentals right can set the stage for overall well-being,” he said.

Meanwhile, for Dr Teh, he only came out with three but impactful lists: stop smoking, eat healthier, and exercise regularly.

Revisiting last year’s trends and what should be improved, Dr Helmy emphasised the significance of digital health adoption in the past year.

He cited examples like smartwatches, which have evolved beyond mere step counters, monitoring heart rates and oxygen saturation.

Dr Hazmi highlighted the booming trend of health-related apps, generating billions of ringgit in revenue.

He pointed out the multifaceted impact of digital health, from the use of apps like MySejahtera during the recent spike in COVID-19 cases to the adoption of telemedicine and online consultations.

“Now, everyone, including our seniors, needs to embrace this change. Without it, we might miss out on crucial health services. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine, online consultations, and even the way we book doctor’s appointments are becoming a norm,” he said.

He noted that hospitals are adopting advanced systems like facial recognition for patient check-ins.

“Now, there is talk of the electronic health record (eHR), which is poised to offer seamless healthcare across public and private facilities in Malaysia.

“More interesting things are coming our way. Artificial Intelligence or AI is becoming more accessible to the public. Tools like ChatGPT, a natural language processing AI, could help many in understanding health matters. We just need to learn it to reap its benefits,” he added.