Sarawak Flying Doctor Service suspended, ministry seeks Armed Forces assets for emergencies

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 10: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has temporarily suspended all Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak following the helicopter accident in Long Lellang, while also exploring the use of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) assets to facilitate the transfer of patients requiring emergency treatment.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the suspension would allow relevant authorities to conduct investigations and review the safety and operational mechanisms of the FDS.

He said medical evacuation (Medevac) services for emergency cases would, however, continue through cooperation between the MOH and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).

“At the same time, the MOH will hold further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to explore the use of ATM assets to facilitate the transfer of patients requiring emergency treatment to appropriate healthcare facilities,” he said in a statement today.

Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry would also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the overall FDS service delivery framework in Sarawak.

“The assessment would cover contractual arrangements, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model,” he explained.

He said the review was aimed at ensuring that the FDS approach implemented in future would be safer, resilient, sustainable and responsive to the healthcare needs of communities in Sarawak’s interior areas.

“The MOH is also reviewing the locations and methods of access to FDS services, including alternative modes of transport and other safe and practical approaches, to ensure that communities in remote areas continue to have access to healthcare services,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that the temporary suspension could create difficulties and challenges for communities relying on the service.

“However, the safety of healthcare personnel and patients remains the MOH’s priority, while ensuring the continuity of healthcare service delivery to communities in remote areas,” he said.

The ministry would continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates to the public as appropriate. — DayakDaily

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