By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: Sarawak is facing an increasingly alarming public health crisis, with a sharp rise in diabetes cases contributing to a surge in amputations at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
In a TVS news report, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian pointed out that the rising number of diabetes patients has led to more cases of severe complications, including non-healing ulcers that ultimately require limb amputations.
“Almost every week, there is at least one amputation case at SGH. These procedures are not just physically devastating but also come with a host of social challenges, such as the need for custom prosthetics and mental health support,” he explained.
Dr Sim, who also serves as the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stressed that wound management for diabetic patients requires significant financial resources.
Unfortunately, Sarawak, like other states in Malaysia and countries worldwide, is witnessing a high prevalence of diabetes—approaching 20 per cent of the population.
He shared these concerns when speaking to reporters after officiating the 5th International Burns and Wounds Conference 2025 held at a hotel here today.
On a more positive note, Dr Sim highlighted Sarawak’s growing prominence in clinical research, particularly in oncology and innovative drug development, which is attracting global attention from investors and scientists.
“Our research capabilities have reached international standards. Clinical trials here span all four phases, from Phase 1—known as First-in-Human (FIH)—to Phase 4, which focuses on commercialisation.
“FIH is the most advanced level of clinical research, following preclinical studies involving lab work, animal testing, and simulations. Last year, five FIH studies were conducted in Malaysia—four of them in Sarawak. This year, all four FIH trials nationwide are being conducted here,” he added. — DayakDaily
