MIRI: Remote communities across northern Sarawak are set to benefit from enhanced emergency healthcare services following the donation of more than RM135,000 worth of medical equipment to the Miri Flying Doctor Services (FDS) by the United States Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The medical equipment, valued at RM135,293, was presented under the Defence Security Cooperation Agency’s Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) Programme during a handover ceremony held at the Layang Layang Aerospace Hangar here on Tuesday.
The contribution is expected to strengthen the Flying Doctor Services’ emergency response capabilities, enabling medical teams to provide faster and more effective treatment to residents living in Sarawak’s remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
The donation includes two portable ultrasound machines, four automated external defibrillators (AEDs), two portable oxygen concentrators, trauma bags, digital transcutaneous bilirubinometers, portable power stations, a portable nebuliser, obstetrical kits, surgical suture kits and safety jackets.
Representing the United States Embassy was Captain James Adams from the United States Civil-Military Support Element. Also present were Miri Divisional Health officer Dr P. Ravivahrman Packierisamy, head of the Family Health Development Sector Dr Izzaty Hamidi, Group general manager of Layang Layang Group Malaysia Captain Shadhon Poong, Flight Operations manager of Layang Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd Captain Irwin Menezes, together with officials from the Health Department and invited guests.
The Miri Divisional Health Office expressed its appreciation to the United States Defence Security Cooperation Agency for its generous support, describing the donation as a meaningful contribution towards strengthening healthcare services in Sarawak’s rural communities.
The initiative reflects the longstanding humanitarian cooperation between Malaysia and the United States and reinforces ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for people living in isolated areas where the Flying Doctor Services continue to serve as a vital lifeline.
