SIBU: The Neurosurgery Department at Sibu Hospital has generated cumulative savings of more than RM50 million since 2013 by reducing costly medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) to Kuching.
Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Hanifah Taib said the department had also been conducting visiting specialist clinics in Mukah, Bintulu, Sarikei and Kapit, easing the financial, logistical and time burden on patients while improving compliance with follow-up care and treatment.
“The achievements of Sibu Neurosurgery serve as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through vision, commitment and strong leadership. It is a model of rural specialist healthcare development that deserves national recognition,” she said.
She said this when officiating at the two-day 6th Transforming Brain Injury Conference at a hotel here today (July 4).
Hanifah added that over the years, Sibu Hospital had grown into a highly respected regional referral centre serving more than one million people across Central Sarawak, covering areas from Bintulu to Betong divisions.
“Through determination, innovation and perseverance, the team in Sibu has successfully brought specialist neurosurgical services closer to the people,” she said.
Noting that neurosurgery is among the most demanding and rapidly evolving disciplines in medicine, Hanifah said she was pleased that the conference had been designed not only for specialists, but also for primary care providers, nurses, medical assistants, physiotherapists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals.
She said the government, through the Ministry of Health, remained steadfast in its commitment to strengthening and modernising the nation’s healthcare system.
Despite rising healthcare demands, increasing costs, workforce challenges and the growing complexity of disease management, she said the ministry continued to invest in healthcare infrastructure, medical technology, specialist training, digital transformation and the expansion of services throughout the country.
Hanifah said particular emphasis was being placed on improving access to quality healthcare in underserved and rural regions to ensure every Malaysian could receive timely and high-quality medical care.
“As part of these efforts, Mukah Hospital will soon be equipped with a CT scanner, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient care in the region,” she said.
She added that the Ministry of Health would continue working closely with the Sarawak government, healthcare institutions, universities and professional bodies to strengthen specialist services, enhance healthcare infrastructure and develop local expertise.
“We recognise that sustainable healthcare transformation is not achieved solely through buildings and equipment. It requires investment in people — our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers and future healthcare leaders.
About 450 healthcare professionals from Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Singapore are attending the conference.
“The achievements of Sibu Neurosurgery serve as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through vision, commitment and strong leadership. It is a model of rural specialist healthcare development that deserves national recognition,” she said.
She said this when officiating at the two-day 6th Transforming Brain Injury Conference at a hotel here today (July 4).
Hanifah added that over the years, Sibu Hospital had grown into a highly respected regional referral centre serving more than one million people across Central Sarawak, covering areas from Bintulu to Betong divisions.
“Through determination, innovation and perseverance, the team in Sibu has successfully brought specialist neurosurgical services closer to the people,” she said.
Noting that neurosurgery is among the most demanding and rapidly evolving disciplines in medicine, Hanifah said she was pleased that the conference had been designed not only for specialists, but also for primary care providers, nurses, medical assistants, physiotherapists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals.
She said the government, through the Ministry of Health, remained steadfast in its commitment to strengthening and modernising the nation’s healthcare system.
Despite rising healthcare demands, increasing costs, workforce challenges and the growing complexity of disease management, she said the ministry continued to invest in healthcare infrastructure, medical technology, specialist training, digital transformation and the expansion of services throughout the country.
Hanifah said particular emphasis was being placed on improving access to quality healthcare in underserved and rural regions to ensure every Malaysian could receive timely and high-quality medical care.
“As part of these efforts, Mukah Hospital will soon be equipped with a CT scanner, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient care in the region,” she said.
She added that the Ministry of Health would continue working closely with the Sarawak government, healthcare institutions, universities and professional bodies to strengthen specialist services, enhance healthcare infrastructure and develop local expertise.
“We recognise that sustainable healthcare transformation is not achieved solely through buildings and equipment. It requires investment in people — our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers and future healthcare leaders.
About 450 healthcare professionals from Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Singapore are attending the conference.