KUCHING: Nurses are urged to keep abreast of the latest technology advancements to keep pace with the evolving field of medicine.
In urging this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said precision medicine, a medical approach that customises healthcare interventions and treatments based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup, will be a significant upcoming development that will reshape medical practices.
“In the next 10 years, medicine is going to be rapidly revolutionised. There are diseases that we never had a chance to cure, but they will be cured thanks to AI and genetics.
“Precision medicine is coming. In the past, medications were prescribed based solely on dosage, but going forward, genetic factors will determine a person’s suitability for specific medications.
“Therefore, as nurses, you must keep yourselves up with knowledge. It’s coming very fast. And for Sarawak, we aim to stay at the forefront of these advancements,” he said
He said this when officiating the Nursing Professional Development seminar held in conjunction with International Nurses Day at Borneo Cultures Museum here today (May 12).
The Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister also urged nurses to pursue post-basic nursing courses and advance their education to enhance their capabilities.
He said as more nurses pursue specialised degrees like master’s and PhDs, it is also aligned with the state’s talent development objectives and could significantly advance the medical sector within the state.
“The world has evolved. For the nursing staff, it’s not only a normal profession, it’s a very heavy duty. And we don’t have enough manpower, but yet, we expect to do everything.
“I urge you to embark on specialisation, pursue post-basic courses and engage in research to continue improving,” he added.
The seminar included two sessions: “Nursing Profession Direction” and “Nurse Scientist,” led by Kuching Division Chief Health Nurse Supervisor Fatimahwati Bakawi and Christina Busak Henry Sum Agong, a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
Dr Sim (fourth from right) during the officiation of the seminar.
