KUCHING: Alternative healthcare delivery methods have been deployed to rural and remote communities in Sarawak during the temporary suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) following a helicopter crash which claimed five lives last month.
State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said the alternative methods include deploying mobile clinic teams by land and river transport to accessible areas.
ALSO READ: Alternative land, water routes being explored to make up for FDS suspension
He also said inter-agency contingency plans have been activated to maintain uninterrupted emergency care.
"Life-saving medevac (medical evacuation) from remote areas is being coordinated through alternative government air assets, including the Fire and Rescue Department's (Bomba) air unit, the Royal Malaysia Police air wing and the Royal Malaysian Air Force," he told Datuk Friday Belik (GPS-Krian) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Friday (Oct 16).
Tiang said the state Health Department, in collaboration with Bomba, will hold a Sarawak Medevac staff engagement, safety briefing and aircraft familiarisation roadshow to enhance the operational readiness of medical personnel involved in emergency evacuations and patient escorts.
He also said the government will continue to evaluate and improve healthcare delivery methods to rural areas, taking into account safety, effectiveness and service continuity.
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In addition, he said proposals were currently being formulated to improve the FDS, covering aspects of operational safety, the suitability and capability of air assets, emergency training and preparedness and the welfare and protection of personnel.
"This approach will take into account the findings of related assessments and investigations, the service needs in rural localities and appropriate alternative service delivery methods to ensure the continuity of healthcare services while prioritising safety and effectiveness."
Tiang also conveyed condolences to the families of the five people killed in the Long Lellang crash on Sept 8.
The victims were Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, 31, and staff nurses Jessie Paya Jok, 44, and Debra Moset, 40.
"May they be remembered as dedicated individuals whose service brought hope and healthcare to people who needed them most," Tiang said.
