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KUALA LUMPUR – Bandar Kuching MP, Dr Kelvin Yii, has urged the government to improve healthcare systems in rural areas to ensure all Malaysians have access to high-quality medical treatment.
This comes after two recent deaths in Sarawak due to the lack of access to healthcare services in their respective areas.
Recently, a 9-month-old baby girl from the remote Julau district died in the arms of her mother in a public bus on the way to Kuching to seek medical treatment.
In another case, an elderly woman from Lawas died before an ambulance reached the hospital while going through the Sg Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security.
“It is sad to hear of such cases where there are people, especially in the rural areas, who are deprived of their right to quality healthcare.
“This is a clear sign of long-term under-investment and neglect in our healthcare services, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Dr Yii said it is important to provide the necessary support to healthcare personnel, and to ensure the availability of sufficient manpower and facilities in order for services to function effectively.
He also expressed hope that Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and her deputy Lukanisman Awang Sauni will spearhead the relevant agencies to identify the causes of these issues.
“They must allocate the necessary resources to healthcare facilities in rural areas while ensuring the development of the surrounding ecosystem.
“No baby in a country should die in its mother’s arms while on the way to hospital,” he stressed. – The Vibes, December 10, 2022