KUCHING: The Flying Doctor Service (FDS) will continue operating in Sarawak, with the Health Ministry (MOH) moving to strengthen the service while ensuring the safety of its operations.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said there was no reason for the service to be halted as it remained essential in providing healthcare access to communities in remote areas.
“Yes, we will continue. There is no reason for the service to stop because there is still a need for the service to continue.
“One of the important things we need to achieve through the FDS is universal health coverage and access to healthcare.
“So we will continue, and we will double down, strengthen and further empower the service. This is certainly something we will do,” he said.
He said this during a live press conference regarding the helicopter incident involving the MOH Flying Doctor Service (FDS) at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, today (Sept 9).
Meanwhile, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abdul Wahab said the ministry recognised the importance of the FDS, particularly for people living in remote areas of Sarawak
He said safety considerations involving the use of helicopters fell under the jurisdiction of the relevant agencies, with the ministry taking into account their findings and recommendations.
“From the aspect of the safety of FDS users, particularly in relation to the use of helicopters, safety matters fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant agencies.
“At the ministry level, we will take into account the information and input from the relevant authorities regarding the safety of the helicopters.
“Based on that, we will decide whether the use of helicopters for this service should continue,” he said.
Prior to that, Dr Dzulkefly said FDS, which has been operating since the 1970s, had always relied on helicopters provided through rental or contractual arrangements.
He said the ministry did not own helicopter assets including maintenance and other related requirements.
“Until today, we do not have our own helicopter assets, unlike boats, mobile clinics and other assets, which we do own.
“Helicopters have always been provided through a rental or contractual arrangement,” he said.
