By: NURA VALENTIANA & JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: The proposed cancer centre in Kota Samarahan can contribute in boosting the medical tourism industry in Sarawak by developing and offering various cancer wellness programmes.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the centre may include wellness programmes in addition to cancer treatments, making it a medical tourism destination.
He said it may go beyond cancer treatment as a conducive environment and wellness programmes can help to improve the emotional and physical well-being of people affected by cancer.
“In fact, I have visited a resort spa wellness in Budapest to see firsthand the wellness programme we have in mind.
“(Although) medical care is a federal matter, Sarawak is willing to assist from its own coffers to set up this hospital that will be equipped with state-of-art facilities with a view to turning it into a main feature of Sarawak’s medical tourism,” he said.
He said this during the Networking Dinner with Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia held at a hotel here on Thursday evening (Oct 27).
Abang Johari added that the cancer centre would be situated in Kota Samarahan, close to the Sarawak Heart Centre; along with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre and Unimas Teaching Hospital, they will be as part of a cluster.
“We have identified the area along Kota Samarahan road towards the Sarawak Heart Centre, together with Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre as well as educational facilities to back up the services needed in this healthcare industry,” he said.
Also present during the event were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Sarawak Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck.
