SGH’s Clinical Research Centre gets accreditation for first-in-human trials

KUCHING: Sarawak General Hospital’s (SGH) Clinical Research Centre (CRC) has secured full accreditation as a Phase 1 Unit for first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of the Ministry of Health, marking a ground-breaking achievement as the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Initially holding provisional accreditation, the CRC’s elevation signifies a pioneering milestone after years of dedicated efforts.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian hailed this accomplishment as the culmination of two decades of relentless dedication, stressing the significance of the CRC as a transformative initiative for Sarawak, representing the inception of an unprecedented ecosystem.

“This CRC is a testament to our nation-building efforts, marking the initiation of an entirely new landscape that Sarawak has never seen before,” he wrote in his Facebook post.

Dr. Sim, also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, reflected on the scepticism encountered when the third CRC was established at SGH in 2003.

“There were doubts about our venture into clinical research due to our lack of experience and reputation in the field. However, driven by a shared vision and passion for a common mission, a handful of courageous individuals – ranging from pharmacists, nurses, clinical research associates, scientists, medical officers, to specialist leaders – dared to take risks,” he said.

Acknowledging the pivotal support received, Dr. Sim thanked former health director-general Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Merican and subsequent directors-general for their unwavering backing and funding allocation, enabling the development of world-class facilities in Sarawak.

“These state-of-the-art facilities rival any international centre for clinical research trials, given the right opportunities,” he said.

Dr. Sim recounted a time, 22 years ago, when public confidence in SGH’s cardiac services was limited, recalling an encounter where he addressed scepticism about his practice within the public healthcare system.

“Later, when we proved beyond doubt, one old lady asked me, ‘Doctor are you any good or not?’

“I asked her why? She replied that it was good to leave public hospitals for the private sector. Why are you still in public? 

“So, I told the aunty that those in the private hospital are all my students. The ‘sifu’ (master) is here and if he is not good, how good will his students be?” he said, while adding that he takes pride in serving in government hospitals

Urging Sarawakians to rally behind the SGH CRC, Dr. Sim stressed the need for collective support to compete on an international level and contribute significantly to nation-building through successful clinical research trials.

Dr Sim added the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is advancing the medical specialised service and research ecosystem further.

“This includes the establishment of the new Sarawak Infectious Disease and Tropical Centre, which is currently under construction and estimated to be completed in 2026.

“Moreover, the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre which is in close proximity to the existing Sarawak Heart Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) Samarahan,” he said.