By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 31: Sarawak’s recent accomplishment of conducting Malaysia’s initial first-in-human clinical trial at the Clinical Research Centre of the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) demonstrates the State’s growing capabilities in biomedical research, which is an important step in developing new treatments.
In stating this, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak Minister, said the development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre and the investment in the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) are testaments to the State’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure.
“As we navigate towards becoming a global healthcare institution, we underscore the significance of clinical research in shaping national health policies and improving the lives of our citizens,” he said during his opening speech at the 54th Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference 2023, which was held today at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Dr Sim’s speech was read by MPHLG Sarawak Deputy Minister Michael Tiang Ming Tee, who represented him at the event.
“Sarawak has been a bastion of healthcare innovation and advancement. Our goal is to position Sarawak as a healthcare service hub, enhancing our entire healthcare ecosystem, from research and manufacturing in Samarahan to clinical services across the State.
“The Sarawak Heart Centre, the Infectious Disease Centre, and the Biodiversity Centre are foundational to this vision.”
Dr Sim further mentioned that the conference is a reflection of the State’s continuous journey of learning, sharing, and collaborating, as it provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue, and facilitating partnerships.
“As we are poised to have an ageing population, the importance of palliative care services and training for healthcare personnel cannot be understated.
“Our pledge to provide and promote palliative care services in Sarawak is unwavering, as is our determination to regain health autonomy and integrate our approach to improve health infrastructure for the benefit of Sarawakians,” he added.
The APACPH Conference 2023 is currently taking place from Oct 30 to Nov 1, 2023, and is being organised by APACPH with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) as the local host.
It is supported by MPHLG Sarawak, the Sarawak State Health Department, and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, and APACPH president Dr Agustin Kusumayati. — DayakDaily
