By Ling Hui & Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 4: The Sarawak government, through Yayasan Sarawak, awards 40 scholarships annually for Sarawakians to study medicine in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said though it comes with substantial costs, this initiative needs to be continued to increase the doctors-to-population ratio.
“Other than research facilities, we have to continue to strengthen our healthcare capabilities by building our human resource infrastructure.
“The Sarawak government via Yayasan Sarawak awardings 40 scholarships annually for Sarawakians to study Medicine in Unimas. Every year, (we give) 40 scholarships
“(It is) quite a substantial amount, but I think we need that. We need to continue (this initiative) so that the ratio of doctors-to-population, the gap can be narrower,” he said when officiating at the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak’s 50th anniversary celebration at a local hotel here tonight.
Abang Johari said more local talent in the medical field could also ensure that medical services can be provided in Sarawak’s rural areas.
“I would also like to welcome the support of healthcare professionals including MMA Sarawak to enhance healthcare services in Sarawak in order to serve the people better and tap its potential as a future health and wellness hub in the region,” he added.
Among those also present were Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, MMA Sarawak chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap and MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai. —DayakDaily
