KUCHING: All Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak have been temporarily suspended following the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the suspension would allow the relevant parties to conduct investigations and review safety and operational mechanisms.
However, emergency medical evacuation (medevac) services will continue through cooperation between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
He said the ministry would also hold further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to explore the use of military assets to transport patients requiring emergency treatment to suitable healthcare facilities.
“The ministry will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire FDS service delivery framework in Sarawak, including contractual aspects, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model.
“This assessment is aimed at ensuring that the approach implemented in the future is safer, more resilient, sustainable and responsive to the healthcare needs of communities in rural Sarawak,” he said in a statement yesterday (Sept 10).
Dzulkefly said the ministry was also reassessing FDS locations and access methods, including alternative transportation and other safe and practical approaches to ensure rural communities continued to have access to healthcare services.
He acknowledged the difficulties and challenges that could arise from the temporary suspension.
Nevertheless, he said the safety of healthcare personnel and patients remained the ministry’s priority, alongside ensuring continuity of healthcare services for rural communities.
“The ministry will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates, when necessary,” he said.
