However, emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) services will continue through cooperation between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
PETALING JAYA: All Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak have been temporarily suspended following a helicopter accident involving an aircraft used for the service in Long Lellang, Miri.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the suspension was necessary to facilitate investigations and a review of the safety and operational mechanisms involved.
However, emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) services will continue through cooperation between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
“MOH will also hold further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to explore the use of ATM assets to evacuate patients requiring emergency treatment to suitable health facilities,” he said in a statement today.
The ministry will also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the FDS delivery framework in Sarawak, covering its contractual arrangements, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model.
Dzulkefly said the assessment was aimed at ensuring that the approach adopted in future would be safer, resilient, sustainable and responsive to the healthcare needs of communities in Sarawak’s rural and interior areas.
MOH is also reviewing the locations and methods of accessing FDS services, including alternative modes of transport and other safe and practical approaches to ensure communities in remote areas continue to receive healthcare.
The ministry acknowledged that the temporary suspension could create difficulties and challenges for communities in the interior.
“However, the safety of healthcare personnel and patients remains MOH’s priority, while ensuring continuity of healthcare services for communities in rural areas,” he said.
MOH will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates to the public as necessary.
