KUCHING: Sarawak is expanding its medical tourism offerings by developing nature-based recovery facilities for patients seeking post-treatment care in coastal and forest settings.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said patients undergoing treatment in Sarawak would have the option of recuperating either near the sea or amid the state’s natural forest environment.
He said 100-bed accommodation is being developed at the Sabal Forest Reserve, while the Sematan-Lundu area would provide another option for patients who preferred a coastal setting.
“We are building accommodation in Sabal Forest Reserve, which is a real, natural park where you can breathe in fresh oxygen from the trees.
“If you want to have post-treatment facing the sea, we are developing the Sematan-Lundu area, all within 40 minutes from this location.
“I think that will give a certain incentive to patients who are getting treatment in Sarawak,” he told a press conference after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony of Health Management International (HMI) Medical’s Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at The NorthBank here today (Aug 10).
In his earlier speech, Abang Johari cited the Maldives as an example of how the surrounding environment could complement medical treatment.
He said some patients there would undergo treatment before spending their recovery period in chalets, taking advantage of the coastal surroundings and other amenities.
“What is important is post-treatment. They are there to get post-treatment, with the good sea breeze and other social amenities for patients to recover from their treatment,” he said.
Abang Johari also thanked HMI Group for its confidence in Sarawak through the establishment of the new specialist hospital.
He said it would provide more treatment options for Sarawakians as well as patients from outside the state.
The state government, he added, would continue investing in infrastructure, including air and domestic connectivity, to support the development of the healthcare sector.
“This 300-bed hospital will provide services for cancer, and that will add quality healthcare to people, not only Sarawakians and Malaysians, but also those from countries within the region.
“The hospital is also very close to the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), so it will be convenient for people to get their treatment here,” he added.
