BETONG: More dental services have been identified as a healthcare need here following a health assessment conducted during the Sarawakku Sayang programme.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the assessment carried out in each area covered by the programme had highlighted different healthcare needs, with dental services among those identified in Betong.
“In Betong, I found that they need a lot of dental services, taking care of teeth,” he said when officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang programme here today (Sept 26).
He said the findings demonstrated the importance of understanding the specific healthcare needs of communities in different parts of Sarawak.
Abang Johari said Sarawak was also facing a wider shortage of healthcare professionals, with more than 3,000 vacancies in the sector, including more than 1,000 for doctors.
“We have more than 3,000 vacancies, more than 1,000 are doctors,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak needed more young people to pursue careers in medicine to help meet the state’s healthcare needs.
He encouraged STPM students to study hard and consider becoming doctors so they could eventually return to serve the people of Sarawak.
“If you are a STPM student, study hard. Become doctors and serve our people,” he said.
Abang Johari said healthcare was among the essential services that needed continued attention as Sarawak developed.
He said feedback gathered through the SKS programme could help identify areas where improvements were needed and ensure development efforts addressed the needs of local communities.
He also referred to healthcare feedback from Sarikei, where diabetes and dialysis services had been identified as areas of concern.
Abang Johari said the Government would continue working to strengthen healthcare services alongside other essential infrastructure and facilities across the state.
