MOH turns to four agencies to keep healthcare services running in Sarawak interior

PUTRAJAYA, September 13 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has assured that healthcare access for rural communities in Sarawak will continue despite the temporary suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations. The suspension affected seven FDS teams that served 85 locations, home to 14,830 people in remote areas. A two-pronged strategy is in place to maintain healthcare services in a systematic and phased manner, with safety and well-being of healthcare personnel as the top priority.

To ensure continuous treatment, the MOH is reviewing healthcare service programs for each location based on local conditions and accessibility. Alternative transportation like land and water routes is being maximized, but only after a thorough risk assessment confirming the safety of healthcare personnel. In particularly challenging locations like Pa Tik, Ba Itam, Ba Abang, and Long Tebangan, specific logistical arrangements are being made, including navigating long treks or facing four to 10 hours of travel due to disrupted routes and collapsed bridges.

The MOH will strengthen cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) for emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) needs in these areas. The duration of the FDS suspension will depend on the outcome of an official investigation by relevant authorities. All healthcare personnel involved in FDS teams will continue to receive protection under civil servant regulations and policies.

MOH is conducting a comprehensive audit, including service location mapping, operator compliance with standards, and psychosocial support for personnel, before resuming operations once they are fully satisfied with the safety and capabilities of the operational system.