By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 13: Small steps—whether it be getting a health check, learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or simply recognising symptoms—matter when it comes to making Sarawak a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability, which makes it even more important for everyone to come together to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support those affected by stroke.
“Thankfully, in Sarawak, we are blessed with a strong and dedicated stroke support team. Today, we have a total of four neurologists serving the people, supported by an excellent interventional radiology service led by the Radiology Department of the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). Together, they ensure timely stroke treatment, including advanced clot retrieval procedures, which save lives and reduce disability.
“In addition, we have also empowered non-neurologists, including physicians and medical officers, to conduct intravenous thrombolysis services in most of our divisional and district hospitals across Sarawak.
“This means that even in areas without a neurologist, patients can still access timely, life-saving stroke treatment closer to home. This decentralisation of expertise is a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all,” he said.
He said this during the Stroke Awareness Campaign 2025 at Aeon Mall Kuching today, where his speech was read out by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
In his speech, Dr Sim also shared that SGH has been actively involved both at the national and international levels of stroke care.
“Their participation in important clinical trials not only advances global stroke knowledge but also brings direct benefits to the people of Sarawak, ensuring that our patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care,” he said.
Dr Sim added that all these efforts reflect our shared mission to build a healthier Sarawak, where prevention and early intervention save lives, and where every patient has access to quality care and rehabilitation.
Speaking on the campaign, he said that it aims to empower visitors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take action. Various activities were also lined up, which included:
- Free health checks
- CPR demonstration and training
- An educational session on the importance of early action in stroke using the ‘FAST’ (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call for help) method
- Stroke awareness talks by healthcare professionals
- An interactive exhibition on health promotion and stroke rehabilitation
- Quizzes and fun activities to engage the public
- A colouring contest for children
— DayakDaily
