Psychosocial support teams have been deployed to help families cope with the aftermath of the Flying Doctor Service helicopter tragedy in Sarawak.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has activated its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) teams to provide psychological first aid and emotional support to families affected by the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter tragedy in Sarawak.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry’s priority was to safeguard the welfare of the victims’ families and provide continued psychological support following the incident.
He said MHPSS teams had been mobilised to accompany the families and provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) as they cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Psychological First Aid and continuous emotional support are being provided, including to the FDS fraternity itself following this traumatic incident,” he said at a press conference today.
Dzulkefly said the ministry was deeply saddened by the incident and extended its condolences to the families of the healthcare personnel and crew involved.
He said the ministry would ensure the welfare of affected families was taken care of, including through financial assistance.
Financial contributions would be channelled through the Health Ministry headquarters’ welfare fund, together with assistance provided by the government.
“Our focus and priority are the safety of healthcare personnel, ensuring the welfare of the families and next-of-kin, and ensuring the continuity of universal healthcare services, particularly for communities in remote areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations at the crash site were being conducted by the police and Fire and Rescue Department.
Miri Hospital had also been placed on standby to receive victims once they were brought out from the remote crash site.
Dzulkefly urged Malaysians to pray for the search and rescue operation and for the families affected by the tragedy.
He also said the ministry would continue to provide verified updates on the incident in coordination with the relevant authorities.
