MIRI: During the opening of the Global Pediatric Neurosurgery Outreach Educational Course, Minister for Transport Sarawak, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, delivered an important address, shedding light on the state of pediatric neurosurgical procedures in Sarawak. His speech emphasized the pressing need to enhance the quality of care and foster collaboration with international experts.
According to Lee, over the past three years, Sarawak has conducted 526 brain and spine surgeries for children. These cases can be categorized as follows: hydrocephalus accounted for 47 per cent, trauma for 20 per cent, tumours for 13 per cent, infection for 7 per cent, congenital abnormalities for 6 per cent, vascular conditions for 5 per cent, and other conditions for 2 per cent.
“Significantly, 74 per cent of these surgeries were emergency cases, with 25 per cent originating from Miri,” disclosed Lee.
He emphasized the pivotal role of educational initiatives in bridging knowledge and practice gaps across different regions. “Through the exchange of expertise and fostering collaboration, our goal is to raise the standard of pediatric neurosurgical care in the state,” he stated on Tuesday (June 18).
Lee’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Jack Wong, the director of Miri Hospital.
The Global Pediatric Neurosurgery Outreach Educational Course, held in Miri, brought together over 100 medical professionals from Malaysia, Brunei, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This program aimed to provide a platform for learning, discussion, and innovation, potentially to improve outcomes for children.
Lee emphasized, “This course is not solely about education but also about making a tangible impact on local healthcare. By equipping local medical professionals with the latest knowledge and techniques, we empower them to deliver better care and save lives in our communities.”
He highlighted that by enhancing local capabilities, the need for children to seek treatment in other states or abroad would be reduced, thereby alleviating the financial and emotional burden on families. Furthermore, the workshop sought to foster partnerships between global and local health institutions to ensure ongoing support and mentorship for sustainable healthcare practices.
The event encompassed public forums and educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness of pediatric neurosurgical conditions and the importance of seeking timely medical assistance. Additionally, initiatives were undertaken to focus on preventing congenital neural tube defects.
Also in attendance were Dr. Albert Wong Sii Hieng, the National Head of Neurosurgery Service, and Dr. Low Peh Hueh, the chair of the event committee.
