KUCHING: Psychiatry goes far beyond the stereotype of “Batu Tujuh” (Sentosa Mental Hospital) with neuropsychiatry recognised as one of seven subspecialties in the field.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian said the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) currently has 11 psychiatrists, with five subspecialties represented, including neuropsychiatry, which deals with a wide range of conditions from dementia and trauma to childhood attention deficit disorders.
“Psychiatry is a very big field, but unfortunately, when people hear the word psychiatry, they often think only of Batu Tujuh.
“It is much more than that. Neuropsychiatry is one of the subspecialties and at SGH alone, we already have five,” he said when met by reporters after attending the 9th Asia Pacific Neuropsychiatry Conference (NEURON 2025) at Waterfront Hotel today.
Dr Sim stressed that mental health should not be stigmatised, noting that issues such as autism, dementia and attention deficit disorders were part of everyday psychiatric practice.
“Today, we are also seeing new challenges, digitalisation, AI-related stress, online addictions, these are all emerging social issues that need attention.
“Whether we like it or not, wellness and mental health are becoming increasingly important,” he said.
He added that neuropsychiatry was not just the work of psychiatrists alone, but a multidisciplinary effort involving radiologists, pharmacists, and rehabilitation specialists.
“It is teamwork. Neuroimaging comes from radiologists, neuropharmacology from pharmacists, neurorehab from rehab doctors.
“We need everyone to come together, because only then can we determine the resources and interventions needed,” he said.
Dr. Sim also pointed out that Sarawak had been able to develop medical expertise despite limited funding compared to larger hospitals overseas.
“For example, Royal Brisbane Hospital has 1,000 beds with a budget of RM5 billion. SGH also has 1,000 beds but only RM750 million in budget.
“Yet, we still have 11 psychiatrists and five subspecialties. Neuropsychiatry is one of them,” he said.
He said hosting NEURON 2025 in Kuching was significant as it reflected recognition of Sarawak’s growing capability in the field.
