PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is maximising alternative land and water transport to ensure continued access to healthcare for some 14,830 residents across 85 remote locations in Sarawak following the temporary suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS).
The ministry said it was reassessing healthcare programmes for each location based on accessibility and local conditions, with alternative modes of transport being considered to ensure treatment could continue.
However, these alternatives would only be deployed after a risk assessment confirms that the routes, travel time, weather conditions and suitability of vehicles are safe for healthcare workers.
The temporary suspension involves seven FDS teams that provide healthcare services to hard-to-reach communities, particularly locations that rely on air transport to access medical care.
The ministry said it was implementing a systematic and phased approach to maintain healthcare services while prioritising the safety and welfare of both healthcare workers and patients.
“While the safety and welfare of healthcare workers remain our absolute priority, the Health Ministry assures that the impact of the suspension will be minimised,” it said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 13).
For locations facing more severe geographical and infrastructure challenges, the ministry is also coordinating dedicated logistics, including preparations for emergency medical evacuation (Medevac).
These include Pa Tik, which requires up to two days of trekking from Bario Health Clinic.
Ba Itam, Ba Abang and Long Tebangan are also affected, with journeys from Long Bedian Health Clinic taking between four and 10 hours due to impassable routes and collapsed bridges.
“For these high-risk areas and Medevac requirements, the Health Ministry will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department and Armed Forces, as previously announced,” it said.
The ministry said the duration of the FDS suspension would depend entirely on the outcome of the authorities’ official investigation into the incident.
It also stressed that the welfare of all healthcare workers involved in FDS teams remained protected under regulations and policies applicable to public servants.
The ministry is conducting a comprehensive audit, including a review of service location mapping, the operating company’s compliance with required standards and the psychosocial support needs of healthcare workers.
“The service will only resume once the Health Ministry is fully satisfied that its operational capabilities and delivery system are safe,” it said.
