KUALA LUMPUR: The Flying Doctor Service (FDS) will continue to provide healthcare services to rural areas, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking at a press conference after the helicopter crash involving FDS personnel, Dzulkefly said the service remains crucial for remote areas.
“There is a reason, and indeed a need, for these services to continue. One of the important things we need to achieve during this FDS service is to ensure universal health coverage,” he said on Wednesday (Sept 9), adding that medical emergencies cannot be delayed, as they involve lives and safety.
Dzulkefly explained that the ministry does not own helicopters, and relies on outsourced choppers for FDS.
“We have assets such as boats and those for mobile clinics but not helicopters,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the safety aspects are under relevant agencies, adding that the ministry will gather inputs from the relevant authorities.
“We understand that for any aspect of aviation, whether involving helicopters, aeroplanes or otherwise, certain safety procedures must be complied with before permission is granted for them to fly,” Dr Mahathar said when asked whether the helicopter had permission to fly due to haze.
“Whether permission to fly is granted or otherwise is subject to approval by the relevant agencies, and not by the Health Ministry. So, in yesterday’s case, my understanding is that the necessary permission was granted and the flight took place,” he added.
Dr Mahathar said there are two components to the FDS service, where the first is a scheduled service conducted monthly or every two months, depending on the needs of residents in rural and remote areas.
“Another component involves medical evacuations, or medical emergencies, for the transportation of patients categorised as critical to receive treatment.
The second involves evacuation for medical emergencies (medevac).
“For now, from the Health Ministry's perspective, where there is a need to transport critically ill patients under the medevac service, and where the flight is permitted to proceed with no weather-related issues or other obstacles, the flight should be carried out, as it involves critical patients,” he said.
However, he said the ministry will review its approach to scheduled services.
“From time to time, we will provide input to our teams on the ground,” he added.
On Tuesday, five people - the pilot and four ministry healthcare personnel on FDS duty- were killed in a helicopter crash near Long Lellang STOLport in Ulu Baram, Sarawak.
