By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawak is set to roll out a pilot project in Miri next month, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) doctor technology from China in collaboration with the Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine.
In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that this marks the first time the AI doctor system will be deployed outside of China.
“We are grateful for the knowledge sharing. I personally want to review how this system works, because AI also needs to be evaluated for accuracy and safety,” he said after attending the SwinTalk: AI Driven Futures programme at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak on Wednesday (Nov 12).
The initiative aims to explore how artificial intelligence can help address Sarawak’s shortage of medical personnel.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that AI has the potential to improve diagnostic speed and accuracy while easing the pressure on healthcare workers.
“In Sarawak, we are currently short of more than 1,000 doctors in government hospitals. Although the Ministry of Health has sent 650 doctors from Kuala Lumpur since October, only 66 per cent have reported to Sarawak.
“AI can help reduce this burden by accelerating diagnosis and treatment,” he explained.
He added that the integration of AI technology is expected to support long-term improvements in healthcare services for all Sarawakians.
Dr Sim also emphasised the importance of consistent health policies between the Sarawak government and the Ministry of Health under the Sarawak Health Autonomy framework.
“Every time there is a change of director general or secretary general, many initiatives need to start over. We hope this policy can be maintained so Sarawak can manage its own health system more effectively,” he said. — DayakDaily
