By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 10: Sarawak is looking beyond hospitals to offer medical tourists a choice of post-treatment recovery settings, from seaside facilities in Sematan-Lundu to forest accommodation in Sabal Forest Reserve.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State’s natural assets could become an added attraction for patients seeking a conducive environment to recover after receiving treatment.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at Northbank here today, he said post-treatment was an important part of the healthcare tourism ecosystem.
He cited the Maldives as an example, saying some high-end medical tourists there undergo treatment before spending time recovering in a comfortable environment surrounded by natural amenities.
“What is important is post-treatment. They are there to get post-treatment, with the good sea breeze and other social amenities for patients to recover from their sickness,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had an advantage in this regard because of its size and diverse natural environments.
He said patients who preferred the sea could head to the Sematan-Lundu area, while those who wanted a forest setting could recover at facilities being developed in Sabal Forest Reserve.
He said forest accommodation with 100 beds was being developed under Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in Sabal.
“In other words, your patients can enjoy the sea, your patients can enjoy the monkeys in the forest. The facilities are there to provide post-treatment,” he said.
During a press conference after the ceremony, Abang Johari said the Sematan-Lundu area was about 40 minutes from Kuching, making it a convenient option for patients undergoing treatment in the city.
“For post-treatment facing the sea, as you know, we are developing the Sematan-Lundu area, all within 40 minutes from Kuching. I think that will give a certain incentive to patients who are getting treatment in Sarawak,” he said.
He also highlighted the development at Sabal Forest Reserve, describing it as a natural park where patients could recover in a forest environment.
“We are building a convention in Sabal Forest Reserve, that is a real natural park. You can breathe in fresh oxygen from the trees,” he said.
Abang Johari said the combination of specialist healthcare and post-treatment recovery options could give Sarawak an additional edge in attracting medical tourists.
He said patients would not only come to Sarawak for treatment but could also experience the State’s natural environment while recovering before returning home.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; HMI Medical Group Chief Executive Officer Chin Wei Jia; HMI Executive Chairman and Managing Director Dr Gan See Khem; HMI Medical hospitals in Malaysia’s Board of Directors member Dr Richard Chew Kim Huat; and HMI Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Stanley Lam. — DayakDaily
