By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Oct 1: Satellite heart centres need to be set up in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu to extend health care access to smaller towns and cities, other than Kuching, says Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim said he had proposed this idea to the Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during the latter’s visit to Sarawak in early September.
“I do not have the exact figure, but roughly it’s about RM20 million for each centre. I already told YB KJ the next stage for us is to develop satellite heart centres,” he added.
Similarly, after the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan is operational, the Sarawak government’s next plan would be to build satelite cancer units in other districts.
He emphasised that this is to ensure that those with heart problems and cancers, but not residing in Kuching, can have easier access to medical treatment, especially during emergencies.
Those with more serious complications can make prior arrangements and seek treatment in the main centres, he added.
Dr Sim was speaking to reporters after launching the World Heart Day 2022 event at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus here today.
Among those also present were Sarawak Heart Foundation trustees Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and Dato Sri JC Fong, Swinburne Interim Executive Dean (Academic) Prof Sim Kwan Yong and World Heart Day 2022 organising chairwoman Elizabeth Voong. — Dayakdaily
