KUALA LUMPUR: All Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak have been temporarily suspended to allow a comprehensive review and investigation of their safety and operational mechanisms, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The move follows Tuesday’s helicopter crash involving an aircraft used for the service in Long Lellang, Miri.
However, Dr Dzulkefly assured that medical evacuation (Medevac) services for emergencies would continue through cooperation between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM).
He said the MOH would also hold further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to explore the use of its assets to transport patients requiring emergency treatment to appropriate healthcare facilities.
“The MOH will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the FDS delivery framework in Sarawak, including contracts, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model.
“The assessment is aimed at ensuring that the approach adopted in future is safer, more resilient, sustainable and responsive to the healthcare needs of communities in rural Sarawak,” he said in a statement today (Sept 10).
Dr Dzulkefly said the MOH was also reviewing FDS service locations and access methods, including alternative transport options and other safe and practical approaches, to ensure rural communities continued to have access to healthcare services.
“The ministry understands the difficulties and challenges that may arise from the temporary suspension. However, the safety of personnel and patients remains our priority, while ensuring continued access to healthcare services in affected areas.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide the public with the latest updates as appropriate,” he said.
Yesterday, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah confirmed that the remains of all five victims had been recovered and flown from Long Lellang to Miri for post-mortems. — BERNAMA
