By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak is mapping disease patterns across communities to develop healthcare policies and interventions tailored to local health risks.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP), implemented by the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), would help researchers identify local disease trends and health-related factors.
“From the research we have conducted so far, the diseases in Kapit are different from those in Serian. Through this research, we can identify the trends,” he told reporters after officiating at the DSP launch in Kampung Lubok Buntin, Gedong, today.
Abang Johari identified diabetes as a growing concern in Sarikei and across Sarawak, while highlighting obesity as a health issue in Sibu.
Joking about the latter, he suggested that the popularity of kampua mee could be a contributing factor, citing its carbohydrate content.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee highlighted the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. He also raised concerns about late cancer detection, stressing the importance of early diagnosis.
The Premier expressed concern that some people only discovered they had diabetes after the condition had progressed, contributing to growing demand for dialysis services.
He also highlighted the potential risk of worm infections among rural children who play football or work on farms barefoot, warning that untreated infections could lead to malnutrition.
The DSP uses a mobile laboratory, with doctors and scientists collecting information to assess health conditions in local communities.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, confirmed that the programme would be extended to other areas including Kuching and Serian divisions.
He also called for greater healthcare autonomy for Sarawak, arguing that the State needed the authority to conduct its own research and present evidence to support its healthcare planning.
“Healthcare comes under the federal government, so we are asking for autonomy to be given to us so that we can carry out our own research. That is why I established this research centre, because we must be prepared to show them the facts with concrete evidence,” he said. —DayakDaily
