By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 23: Sarawak is set to enhance its healthcare services with the construction of three new private hospitals in Kuching, all expected to be completed within three years’ time.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that one of the hospitals will be built in Batu Lintang, developed under IHH Healthcare, a Singapore-based healthcare company.
Another 300-bed private hospital, focusing on cancer treatment, will be developed in the North Bank area of Tabuan Jaya, while a third 300-bed facility will be established in Petra Jaya.
“All three hospitals will be privately operated and are expected to attract patients to come to Sarawak with the best medical treatment that we can offer,” he said during the grand opening of the second branch of D Dentist Dental Clinic in Tabuan Jaya. Recordings of his speech and door-step interview were later made available to DayakDaily.
Abang Johari further noted that high medical costs in Singapore mean the new private hospital in Kuching will provide an affordable alternative offering comparable quality of service.
He explained that Sarawak’s strategic location and improved connectivity support a flexible healthcare model where international specialists, particularly from Singapore, can provide treatment in Kuching without needing to relocate permanently.
With efficient flight connections expected from the upcoming launch of Sarawak-owned airline–Air Borneo, doctors from Singapore can travel to Kuching in the morning, attend to their patients, and return home the same day.
Advancements in medical technology and data transfer also enable remote patient monitoring, allowing doctors to assess cases in real time before patients even arrive for treatment.
With medical tourism on the rise, the new hospitals are anticipated to offer advanced healthcare options for both locals and international patients, particularly from neighbouring Indonesia. – DayakDaily
