SEPTEMBER 2024
Sarawak Government Pledges Rm100 Million To Boost Rural Healthcare, Advances In Medical Technology
KUCHING, Sept 5 — Sarawak’s Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has announced significant initiatives to improve healthcare in the state, particularly in rural areas. Speaking at the 64th National AGM Dinner of the Malaysian Medical Association held at Sheraton Kuching, the Premier outlined a series of efforts aimed at enhancing medical infrastructure and training in Sarawak.
“We have just a common design for rural clinics, and we are building them across rural areas. However, it’s not just about building clinics. Doctors and nurses serving these communities need proper quarters. We have agreed to allocate RM100 million this year to build clinics and accommodation for medical staff in rural Sarawak,” said Abang Johari.
This initiative will ensure that medical professionals in remote areas are provided with better facilities, and the funding will continue until adequate healthcare services are in place for rural residents.
The Premier emphasized that the Sarawak government is fully committed to sharing its resources for the betterment of healthcare, stating, “We are trying our best to ensure that healthcare reaches everyone, especially in rural areas.”
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Abang Johari highlighted the government’s focus on medical education. He noted that Sarawak is facing a shortage of doctors and that training will be key to achieving an optimal doctor-to-patient ratio.
“The Sarawak government is offering automatic scholarships to students eligible to study medicine at UNIMAS or other institutions within Sarawak. So far, over a hundred students have been sent on scholarships, regardless of their racial or religious backgrounds. By 2026, Sarawak will offer free tertiary education to all Sarawakians in state-owned universities, including for medicine and other critical disciplines,” he said.
Abang Johari also announced a RM10 million investment to digitize Sarawak’s hospital records, linking all hospitals with a digital system for instant patient record access.
“This will allow patient records from any hospital, such as Kuching General Hospital, to be accessed by other hospitals like Sibu Hospital, ensuring better coordination and minimizing errors in treatments,” he said.
The Premier further revealed that Sarawak is investing in specialized medical training and equipment. He shared that RM1 million has been allocated to train personnel in managing stroke treatment equipment at the General Hospital.
In collaboration with Normah Medical Specialist Centre, a hospital owned by the Sarawak government, the state aims to enhance neurology services. “
We have agreed to purchase equipment for neuro-related issues. However, we also need to train specialists. I’ve been informed that we need resident neurologists at Normah, and I hope the federal government will allow visiting specialists to support the facility,” he added.
Abang Johari reiterated that heart disease and stroke are priority areas, with investments being made in both equipment and training to tackle these conditions.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Health Dato Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni, President of the Malaysian Medical Association Dr Azizan Aziz, President-Elect of the Malaysian Medical Association Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, Vice Chancellor of UNIMAS Professor Dr Ahmad Hata bin Rasit and Organising Chairman and MMA Sarawak Chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap.