FDS di Sarawak ditangguh sementara, KKM laksana penilaian penuh

The Central Medical Services (KKM) has announced that a full assessment of the FDS operations in Sarawak will be carried out following an incident involving an FDS helicopter at Long Lellang. All FDS operations in Sarawak have been halted temporarily to allow for the evaluation of the safety mechanisms and operational procedures at the Long Lellang site. However, emergency medical transportation (Medevac) services for critically ill patients will continue through cooperation with the rescue helicopters.

The KKM acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that may arise due to this temporary suspension. Nevertheless, the safety of staff and patients remains the top priority for the KKM, along with ensuring the continuity of health service delivery to the rural communities. The evaluation will cover the entire FDS framework, including contracts, administration, operational safety, coverage needs, and the success of the existing service model.

The assessment aims to ensure that the future approach taken is safer, more sustainable, resilient, and responsive to the health needs of the rural communities in Sarawak. KKM is also reviewing the location and access methods of FDS, including alternative transportation and other safe and practical approaches, to ensure that the rural communities continue to have access to health services.

Recently, the Malaysian Public Aviation Authority (CAAM) announced that a BO-105 helicopter carrying five individuals, including a pilot, a medical officer, a nursing assistant, and two nurses, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport. The victims include pilot Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, nursing assistant Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok. According to CAAM, the helicopter was conducting an FDS operation.