By Christine T & Shikin Louis
SIBU, Nov 14: University of Technology Sarawak’s (UTS) proposed Faculty of Medicine could position the university as a leading institution in integrative medicine by combining Eastern and Western medical practices.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg welcomed the proposal, suggesting that UTS explore this approach by tapping into Sarawak’s rich biodiversity to identify natural solutions to common and emerging diseases.
“Three weeks ago, I had the honor to officiate an international conference in Kuala Lumpur on what they call integrative medicine.
This is a convergence of Eastern medicine and Western medicine, and the concept is based on what they call salutogenesis, the health of an individual,” he said in his speech at the UTS’s 11th Convocation Ceremony here today, which was livestreamed by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
He explained that integrative medicine could allow researchers to explore Sarawak’s biodiversity for natural resources that could offer solutions to diseases.
“So, in other words, we have resources in our biodiversity, and this biodiversity resource can be studied where you have natural solutions to diseases, common diseases or new emerging diseases,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also UTS Pro-Chancellor, suggested that UTS could pursue this direction and establish itself as one of the major institutions combining Eastern and Western medical practices.
Earlier, UTS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman mentioned that the university is aspiring to establish Sarawak’s first State-owned medical degree programme as part of efforts to address the shortage of doctors and medical specialists in the State.
To realise this aspiration, he said UTS is committed to working closely with the Sarawak government, relevant authorities, healthcare institutions, and established academic partners. — DayakDaily
