KUCHING: More than three decades after serving with the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee still vividly remembers the risks faced by medical teams flying into Sarawak’s remote areas.
In a Facebook sharing, Dr Annuar said the recent tragic news of a helicopter accident involving a medical team while on duty immediately brought back memories of his time with the FDS in the early 1990s.
He recalled that while serving at Hospital Limbang, he was assigned on a rotational basis to join the FDS, which at the time served as a vital lifeline for communities in the state’s interior.
“FDS is a very important lifeline for people living far in the interior of Sarawak. Roads were still very limited, and many areas could only be reached by river or air,” the posting reads.
Dr Annuar said the service had contributed significantly to improving healthcare standards among rural communities, particularly in maternal and child health (MCH).
Medical teams brought healthcare services directly to communities, including postnatal examinations for mothers and vaccinations for babies and children.
He recalled travelling in Bell helicopters across forests and rivers to reach remote areas, including various parts of Baram.
“Every flight had its own challenges. At times, the helicopter could not land at the destination due to weather conditions. There were also occasions when the medical team could not fly home and we had to spend the night staying with local residents,” he said.
He described these experiences as part of the sacrifice involved in ensuring rural communities remained connected to healthcare services.
One particular incident remained deeply etched in his memory — transporting an unconscious patient who had suffered a brain haemorrhage following an injury while working in a logging area.
The patient had to be flown from Limbang to Hospital Sibu, a journey which took more than two hours.
Dr Annuar said the patient required respiratory support throughout the flight, forcing the medical team to manually ventilate him using an Ambu bag for the entire journey.
“More than two hours inside a helicopter, with the sound of the engine and strong vibrations, while ensuring the patient continued to receive respiratory support — an experience like that is difficult to forget even after more than 30 years,” he said.
The experience, he added, gave him an appreciation of the risks faced by medical teams every time they boarded a helicopter to deliver healthcare to those in need.
“That is why when I received the sad news yesterday about the helicopter accident involving a medical team while carrying out their duties, my thoughts immediately returned to my time with FDS.
“I know, to some extent, the risks they face every time they board a helicopter to bring healthcare services to those who need them. Behind every flight is a responsibility — to reach the patient, no matter how far away they are,” he said.
Dr Annuar also paid tribute to those who had served and continue to serve through the FDS, describing their service and sacrifice as immense contributions to the people of Sarawak.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, praying that they would be given strength and fortitude in facing the devastating loss.
“Their service in carrying out their responsibility to the community will always be remembered,” he said.
