MOH assures healthcare access will continue in rural Sarawak after suspension of Flying Doctor Service

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Malaysia has temporarily suspended the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) in Sarawak, affecting healthcare access for 14,830 people across 85 remote locations.

To maintain healthcare services, MOH is implementing a two-pronged strategy with alternative land and water transport and reassessing service programs based on local conditions.

In high-risk areas, collaborations with the Fire and Rescue Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces will address emergency needs.

The suspension duration will depend on a comprehensive investigation, during which a full audit of operations will be conducted to ensure the safety and efficacy of service delivery before resumption.

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 13 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has assured that access to healthcare services for rural communities in Sarawak will continue following the temporary suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in the state.

In a statement today, MOH said the suspension involved seven FDS teams covering 85 locations with an estimated population of 14,830 people in remote areas.

A two-pronged strategy is being implemented to ensure healthcare services continue in a systematic and phased manner, while prioritising the safety and welfare of healthcare personnel.

“To ensure continuity of treatment, MOH is reassessing healthcare service programmes for each location based on accessibility and local conditions.

“As part of optimisation efforts, alternative transport modes via land and water routes are being maximised,” the statement said.

Any alternative arrangements will only be implemented after a risk assessment covering route conditions, travel duration, weather and vehicle suitability confirms that they are safe for healthcare personnel.

For locations facing significant geographical and infrastructure challenges, specific logistical arrangements are being coordinated, including Pa Tik, which requires a two-day trek from Bario Health Clinic.

Also affected are Ba Itam, Ba Abang and Long Tebangan, which require four to 10 hours of travel from Long Bedian Health Clinic due to disrupted routes and collapsed bridges.

“For these high-risk areas, as well as emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) needs, MOH will continue strengthening strategic cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), as previously announced,” the statement said.

The duration of the FDS suspension will depend on the outcome of the official investigation by the relevant authorities. MOH will provide full cooperation to ensure the incident is investigated comprehensively.

All healthcare personnel involved in FDS teams will continue to be protected under regulations and policies applicable to civil servants.

“MOH is conducting a comprehensive audit, including a review of service location mapping, operator compliance with standards, and the need for psychosocial support for personnel.

“Operations will only resume once MOH is fully satisfied that operational capabilities and the service delivery system are completely safe,” the statement said. — Bernama

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马来西亚卫生部已暂时中止砂拉越的飞行医生服务，影响了85个偏远地区14830人的医疗保健服务。

为维持医疗保健服务，卫生部正在实施双管齐下的策略，包括提供替代的陆路和水路交通方式，并根据当地情况重新评估服务计划。

在高风险地区，将与消防救援部门和马来西亚武装部队合作，以满足紧急需求。

暂停期限将取决于全面调查的结果，调查期间将对运营情况进行全面审计，以确保服务交付的安全性和有效性，然后再恢复服务。

布城，9月13日讯——卫生部保证，尽管飞行医生服务队（FDS）在砂拉越州的行动暂时中止，但砂拉越农村社区仍将继续获得医疗保健服务。

卫生部今天发表声明称，此次暂停服务涉及7支FDS团队，覆盖85个地点，服务对象为偏远地区的约14830人。

为确保医疗服务以系统和分阶段的方式继续进行，同时优先保障医护人员的安全和福祉，正在实施双管齐下的策略。

“为确保治疗的连续性，卫生部正在根据可及性和当地情况，重新评估每个地区的医疗保健服务计划。

声明称：“作为优化措施的一部分，我们正在最大限度地利用陆路和水路等替代运输方式。”

任何替代安排只有在经过风险评估（包括路线条件、行程时间、天气和车辆适用性）确认对医护人员安全后才会实施。

对于面临重大地理和基础设施挑战的地区，正在协调具体的后勤安排，包括 Pa Tik，从 Bario Health Clinic 到那里需要徒步两天。

受影响的还有巴伊淡岛、巴阿邦和龙特邦安，由于道路中断和桥梁坍塌，从龙贝甸卫生诊所到这些地方需要 4 到 10 个小时的车程。

声明称：“对于这些高风险地区以及紧急医疗救援需求，卫生部将继续加强与马来西亚消防救援局（JBPM）和马来西亚武装部队（MAF）的战略合作，正如之前宣布的那样。”

FDS停业期限将取决于相关部门的正式调查结果。卫生部将全力配合，确保对事件进行全面彻底的调查。

参与FDS团队的所有医护人员将继续受到适用于公务员的法规和政策的保护。

“卫生部正在进行全面审计，包括审查服务地点分布图、运营商是否符合标准以及对员工的心理社会支持需求。

声明称：“只有在卫生部完全确信运营能力和服务提供系统绝对安全后，才会恢复运营。”——马新社

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预计七个州和吉隆坡将出现雷暴、暴雨和大风天气，持续至晚上9点。

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