By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 4: Being the first to embrace digital technology to offering 76 general and sub-medical specialties along with global recognition as one of the top 100 Best Specialised Hospitals in the Asia Pacific region and internationally acclaimed researchers today, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is indeed the pride of Sarawak and Sarawakians, emerging from the ‘jungle of Borneo”.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the remarkable progress in Sarawak’s healthcare sector, particularly SGH, where advancements in medicine and technology have enabled younger Sarawakians to pursue even cardiac studies locally with standards comparable to those in Australia.
“SGH provides an array of medical services unmatched by private hospitals. This accomplishment is attributed to the unwavering dedication, commitment, passion, and sacrifices of our medical staff over many decades, all for the betterment of every Sarawakian.
“But more importantly, the hospital is not just a place for the sick or patient care but a hub for medical and technological advancement and innovation, which is well ahead than any field and our daily lives,” he said when officiating at the SGH Open Day at the hospital’s auditorium today.
In terms of medical advancement, Dr Sim emphasised that SGH, including its Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan, was already highly advanced in technology 22 years ago, before the widespread use of mobile phones.
From basic monitors for angiograms and echocardiograms to today’s CT scans, SGH was employing technologists long before mobile phones existed.
He highlighted that the capacity of one CT or angiogram scan equals storing 100 movies in a mobile phone. Currently, a CT scan can encompass a full-body scan from head to toe within five to 10 seconds, surpassing the speed of a Formula One race car.
Notably, the research facility established 20 years ago in SGH is now acknowledged as the best in Malaysia, having been chosen by Norvatis Malaysia to conduct different phases of clinical trials, from first-in-human clinical trials to late-phase clinical research.
“So we want the younger generation to be part of these advancements because your discovery may save the world one day, even from the jungle of Borneo. This is our hope and dream for you.
“Hopefully, this visit will inspire and ignite passion among our young people to explore a career in medicine and the healthcare sector. I will get old, and we need young people to succeed us. We want young people to know there is a place for every talent, skill set, and passion in the medical field, from doctors, nurses, and medical specialists to engineers if you don’t like blood.
“You (the younger generation) must continue to do well or even better to steer Sarawak forward. You can carry on our work,” he said.
However, Dr Sim also acknowledged that more needed to be done for the healthcare sector in Sarawak, including ensuring future-proof facilities to meet evolving needs into the future.
SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, senior deputy assistant director Dr Khairul Rizzuan Roslan, and Education Department Sarawak assistant director-general (Students Affair Unit) Hazali Madihi were present. — DayakDaily
