KUCHING: Sarawak's private healthcare sector made history when Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) invested RM20 million to introduce two world-class cancer treatment and diagnostic systems, the Halcyon Radiotherapy System and the Gallium-68 Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET/CT Scan.

The two high-tech facilities, the first of their kind in Borneo, were officially launched on Monday, marking a major step in expanding Sarawak's access to modern and sophisticated cancer treatment.

According to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, he described the investment as a significant turning point in the state's healthcare landscape.

“It is heartening to see BMC, a local medical group, investing RM20 million in the latest treatment technology to meet the needs of the people of Sarawak.

"This move reduces the need for patients to seek treatment in Kuala Lumpur or abroad," he said in a text of speech read by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian on Monday.

The Sarawak Premier explained that the Halcyon Radiotherapy System is one of the most advanced radiotherapy systems in the world that is capable of providing cancer treatment faster, more accurately and more comfortably, additionally reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

The Gallium-68 PSMA PET/CT system also enables high-precision imaging, especially for the early detection of prostate cancer, which helps increase the recovery rate and survival of patients.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed that BMC’s initiative is in line with the Sarawak Government's vision to make the state a regional hub of health excellence.

"By integrating technology and innovation, we are not only strengthening medical treatment outcomes but also strengthening Sarawak's position as a regional medical referral centre," he added.

He said Sarawak now has a network of modern health facilities and highly skilled professionals, in addition to a natural environment conducive to recovering, making the state an ideal destination for medical tourism in the Borneo region and neighbouring countries.

This new investment also demonstrates BMC's commitment as the leading private healthcare provider in Sarawak, supporting the state's agenda towards access to quality and self-reliant healthcare for all citizens. -UKASnews