KUCHING, April 12: The Sarawak Health Department (JKN Sarawak) had asserted today that both Miri Hospital and Lawas Hospital did not refuse to treat a cancer patient who had no MyKad as it was allegedly confiscated by the National Registration Department (NRD).
The Department refuted news reports of a cancer patient in Sarawak facing difficulty in getting treatments at public hospitals as the patient had problems with her MyKad, which was allegedly confiscated by NRD since November 2022.
In a statement today, Sarawak Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said it had contacted the patient’s daughter and confirmed that Lawas Hospital and Miri Hospital never refused to treat her mother.
“The cancer patient is under the care of a surgeon at Miri Hospital and she has continued to receive appropriate treatments regardless of her identification document or nationality status.
“The Miri Hospital has performed several procedures in treating the patient this year, including imaging on Feb 15, surgical procedures on Feb 17 and follow-up imaging on March 20.
“In terms of treatment and examination, Miri Hospital has provided appropriate services to the patient. In fact, the patient was also scheduled for a follow-up treatment appointment at the Specialist Clinic, Miri Hospital on April 17, 2023,” he said.
Besides, Dr Ooi added that the patient also received treatment at Lawas Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Unit on April 1 this year, where she underwent an examination and was referred to a medical officer on call, and was given appropriate treatment.
Lawas Hospital has continued to provide services regardless of the patient’s MyKad or nationality status.
Dr Ooi reiterated JKN Sarawak’s commitment to continue providing the best services to the community in Sarawak regardless of background, but subject to current laws and regulations. — DayakDaily
