By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, May 18: Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarawak was one of the most sought after destinations for medical tourism, with over 53,000 people visiting the State to seek medical treatment in 2019.
“A lot of tourists from our neighbouring countries such as Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia come here seeking medical treatment,” disclosed Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting on Tuesday.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and current travel restrictions, medical tourism numbers have dropped significantly.
He added that the reason why they often visited Sarawak was that the medical costs were way cheaper compared to other countries.
“Here in Miri, we are blessed that over the years, our health facilities have improved and a number of private hospitals have been established here with excellent medical services,” he pointed out.
Ting also sees the growing potential in dental tourism in Miri, as the city has a long list of specialists.
“For instance, there’s one dental clinic here with no less than eight specialists,” he said.
He was met today after launching the first walk-through pharmacy service at Miri Polyclinic at Jalan Merbau here.
The service provides outpatients with convenient access to pick up refilling prescriptions in a shorter timeframe than ordinary pharmacy service, with enhanced Covid-19 disease control.
Via this walk-through pharmacy, outpatients will be able to collect their medication without having to go to the ordinary pharmacy counter inside the building. — DayakDaily
