KUCHING: The state government aims to position Sarawak as a healthcare service hub, enhancing its entire healthcare ecosystem, from research and manufacturing in Samarahan to clinical services across the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Sarawak Heart Centre, Infectious Disease Centre and Biodiversity Centre are foundational to this vision.
“Our recent achievement of conducting Malaysia’s first first-in-human clinical trial signifies our growing capabilities in biomedical research, a critical step in developing new treatments.
“Our aspirations don’t end here. The development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre and the investment in the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre are testaments to our commitment to healthcare infrastructure.
“As we navigate towards becoming a global healthcare institution, we underscore the significance of clinical research in shaping national health policies and improving the lives of our citizens,” he said.
Dr Sim’s text of speech was read out by Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang at the opening of the 54th Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Sarawak, Dr Sim said, had been diligent in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic, mobilising resources and implementing strategic measures to curb the virus’s spread.
He said the state’s accelerated vaccination campaigns, enhanced testing capabilities and increased public awareness have exemplified Sarawak’s commitment and adaptability.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that every Sarawakian, whether urban or rural, has equal access to healthcare services.
“With the construction of the cancer hospital and our commitment to improving all health infrastructures, we are not just contributing to healthcare building but also to nation-building in Sarawak,” he said.
As Sarawak is poised to have an ageing population, Dr Sim said the importance of palliative care services and training for healthcare personnel cannot be understated.
“Our pledge to provide and promote palliative care services in Sarawak is unwavering, as is our determination to regain health autonomy and integrate our approach to improve health infrastructure for the benefit of Sarawakians,” he said.
Among those present were Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health president Professor Dr Agustin Kusumayati, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and 54th APACPH Conference 2023 chairman Associate Professor Dr. Jeffery Stephen.
