(Miri, 28th) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that nurses and midwives are the backbone of the medical system. They are not only professional caregivers treating patients but also important pillars providing patients and families with emotional support and care.
He called on the Federal Government to prioritize Sarawak in national healthcare planning and allocate more resources to ease the shortage of nursing manpower.
Speaking at the “Nurses’ Night Gala Dinner” held in Miri on September 26, Lee Kim Shin pointed out that nurses and midwives, whether in cities or remote areas, shoulder critically important responsibilities.
“You are the first to comfort patients, the hands that welcome new life, and the strong support for families as they navigate moments of challenge and hope.”
He especially praised the nursing staff serving in remote and rural areas, saying that they show the Nightingale spirit by continuing to dedicate themselves courageously and selflessly in difficult environments.
However, he admitted that Sarawak is facing a severe shortage of nursing personnel, including problems such as professional burnout caused by excessive workload, difficulty attracting and retaining nurses, rising care needs due to an aging population and increase of chronic diseases, as well as insufficient hospital staffing and equipment funding, all of which place great pressure on the nursing system.
He said that if this vicious cycle continues, it will affect patient treatment outcomes and further deepen the loss of nursing staff. The Federal Government must intervene as soon as possible to increase hospital positions and resource allocation, comprehensively strengthening Sarawak's nursing workforce.
He also encouraged nurses and midwives to keep learning and upgrading their skills to maintain service quality and professionalism in healthcare, so that the people of Sarawak can continue to receive high-level medical care.
Lee Kim Shin also highlighted the important role of midwives, saying that they not only assist mothers to deliver safely, but also participate in the most important moments of family life. “Without you, many new lives might not be able to enter the world smoothly.”
He also expressed his gratitude to nursing staff who charged to the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, making great sacrifices to safeguard people's lives.
He said that this dinner is not only a gathering, but also the community’s appreciation and affirmation of the dedication of nursing staff. He wished all nurses good health, perseverance, and continued service to society and the country.
Lee Kim Shin said the dedication and spirit of nurses will be forever remembered, and that they are the true guardians of the people.
He called on the Federal Government to prioritize Sarawak in national healthcare planning and allocate more resources to ease the shortage of nursing manpower.
Speaking at the “Nurses’ Night Gala Dinner” held in Miri on September 26, Lee Kim Shin pointed out that nurses and midwives, whether in cities or remote areas, shoulder critically important responsibilities.
“You are the first to comfort patients, the hands that welcome new life, and the strong support for families as they navigate moments of challenge and hope.”
He especially praised the nursing staff serving in remote and rural areas, saying that they show the Nightingale spirit by continuing to dedicate themselves courageously and selflessly in difficult environments.
However, he admitted that Sarawak is facing a severe shortage of nursing personnel, including problems such as professional burnout caused by excessive workload, difficulty attracting and retaining nurses, rising care needs due to an aging population and increase of chronic diseases, as well as insufficient hospital staffing and equipment funding, all of which place great pressure on the nursing system.
He said that if this vicious cycle continues, it will affect patient treatment outcomes and further deepen the loss of nursing staff. The Federal Government must intervene as soon as possible to increase hospital positions and resource allocation, comprehensively strengthening Sarawak's nursing workforce.
He also encouraged nurses and midwives to keep learning and upgrading their skills to maintain service quality and professionalism in healthcare, so that the people of Sarawak can continue to receive high-level medical care.
Lee Kim Shin also highlighted the important role of midwives, saying that they not only assist mothers to deliver safely, but also participate in the most important moments of family life. “Without you, many new lives might not be able to enter the world smoothly.”
He also expressed his gratitude to nursing staff who charged to the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, making great sacrifices to safeguard people's lives.
He said that this dinner is not only a gathering, but also the community’s appreciation and affirmation of the dedication of nursing staff. He wished all nurses good health, perseverance, and continued service to society and the country.
Lee Kim Shin said the dedication and spirit of nurses will be forever remembered, and that they are the true guardians of the people.