Stronger support for women in healthcare sector, says S’wak deputy minister

MIRI (March 8): Women working in the healthcare sector play a crucial role in sustaining the healthcare system and must be supported through initiatives that promote their wellbeing and leadership opportunities, said Datuk Rosey Yunus.

The State Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said greater recognition and support should be given to women, particularly those serving in the healthcare workforce.

“We must also recognise the many women within our healthcare workforce as they lead, care, make critical decisions and balance professional excellence with responsibilities at home,” she said.

Rosey said this in her speech at the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration organised by Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) Miri yesterday.

The Bekenu assemblywoman also highlighted the growing challenges faced by women today.

Among the concerns, she said, are mental health issues, the rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, economic pressures on working mothers and single parents, as well as issues related to safety and digital wellbeing.

“These challenges reflect the lived experiences of many women, including mothers who delay their own health check-ups to prioritise their children and healthcare workers balancing demanding professional duties with family responsibilities,” she said.

She stressed that women’s health must remain a priority, encompassing not only on maternal care but also preventive screening, mental health support, reproductive health education and chronic disease management.

“In a healthcare setting such as this, the message carries even greater meaning,” she said, adding that a “future-ready society” is one that values women’s health, safety, education and economic participation.

Meanwhile, BMC Miri Medical Director Dr Richard Chen said the celebration not only recognises the achievements of women but also highlights the challenges they face in today’s environment.

“Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of women, but also acknowledge the challenges many continue to face, from rising healthcare concerns and mental health pressures to work-life balance and the need for safe, supportive environments,” he said.

Chen noted that the event’s theme, “Give to gain. Every story matters. Every woman counts,” reflects the experiences of many women encountered in healthcare settings.

“Every day, we meet women who prioritise their families over their own health, working mothers balancing multiple responsibilities, and young women navigating stress in a rapidly changing world. Behind every statistic is a real story,” he said.

He stressed that women’s healthcare extends beyond maternity services and includes preventive screening, mental health support, chronic disease management and access to quality and compassionate treatment.

“As a healthcare provider, we are committed not only to treating illness but also to promoting awareness and early intervention,” he said.

Chen said the collaboration between BMC, the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) in organising the event reflects the importance of partnerships between private institutions and public agencies in advancing gender equality and family wellbeing.

Also present was BMC Miri chairman Dr Matthew Kho Hion Woo.