KUCHING: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is exploring the possibility of expanding dental outreach services in Sarawak through Flying Doctor Service (FDS) using helicopters for remote communities.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the proposal was part of efforts to explore alternative methods of delivering healthcare services, especially given Sarawak’s geographical challenges.
She said MOH recognised the limitations in reaching some interior areas that remain inaccessible by road.
“Therefore, we would like to explore other approaches. As such we are looking at the service schedules, and if possible, we could incorporate the FDS, using helicopters to deploy doctors and provide services to these remote communities.
“Because I believe that even people living in the most remote interior areas should not be left behind,” she told reporters after officiating the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sarawak State-Level Dental Health Promotion Week (MPKP) at MBKS here today (July 11).
She said in areas where permanent clinics had yet to be established, MOH had introduced additional service delivery systems to ensure continued access to oral healthcare services.
These included eight Mobile Dental Buses, which are fully equipped dental buses providing dental procedures in rural and interior areas accessible by road.
“For areas that cannot be reached by road, or where only dental check-ups can be provided, we have 127 Mobile Dental Teams,” she said.
She added that the teams travelled to remote communities using vans and four-wheeled vehicles, while boats were used to reach areas accessible only through rivers.
She also said that dental screening coverage remained comprehensive, with all primary and secondary schools covered by Mobile Dental Teams, while members of the public could also receive treatment through existing permanent dental clinics.
On manpower challenges, she said MOH continued to face shortages of dentists, dental specialists, nurses and other healthcare personnel.
“We hope that through discussions with our Chief Secretary (KSU), we will be able to increase our capacity and continue making improvements over time.
“We also consider feedback from dentists and other Ministry of Health staff who have raised concerns or highlighted service needs, and we relay this feedback to the ministry’s top management,” she said.
