KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is implementing a comprehensive, system-based strategy aligned with the Federal Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Health White Paper reform agenda, which prioritises digital transformation, enhanced primary healthcare, and equitable access for all residents,

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Pelawan Assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee stated that due to the challenging geography and dispersed rural communities in Sarawak, telemedicine is being expended as a core strategy to optimise specialist reach.

The Sarawak Government continues to prioritise infrastructure and digitalisation as key drivers in transforming the state's healthcare landscape, with 176 primary healthcare facilities, or 65.2 per cent, already digitalised through the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS).

To ensure the success of this digital agenda, the Sarawak Government has allocated RM10 million for the procurement of ICT hardware and the strengthening of infrastructure across health facilities.

“This integrated approach reflects MOH’s policy direction to move from a hospital-centric model towards a people-centred, digitally enabled, and more equitable healthcare system across Sarawak,” he said in response to a question from Bawang Assan Assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Thursday.

This strategic investment has accelerated the implementation of electronic medical records and enhanced service efficiency, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas, while establishing a robust ecosystem for telehealth integration and data sharing statewide.

He also further noted that rural medical services are being bolstered by refurbishing health clinics, increasing the reach of mobile clinics and Flying Doctor Services, and adopting a task-shifting model.

This strategy equips primary healthcare providers to treat patients within their own communities through organised specialist guidance, effectively boosting the state's medical capacity and ensuring seamless patient management.

“There are 97 mobile health teams and cover 1,005 localities in Sarawak. This service covers a total of 102,267 populations living in rural and remote regions of Sarawak,” he said.

Moreover, he added that facilities are currently undergoing upgrades to guarantee they are properly outfitted to meet system demands and preserve steady performance.

This will further safeguard the long-term viability of digital infrastructure, particularly in remote regions.-UKASnews

Prepared by: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Hazrin Sunaini