KUCHING: Sarawak is set to establish three new private international hospitals to boost its position as a medical tourism hub.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the hospitals, which will be privately operated, are in various stages of planning and development.
“There are three hospitals now in the pipeline. One is under IHH from Singapore to be built at Batu Lintang. Tomorrow (Feb 24) I’ll officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony.
“Then there is one in Tabuan Jaya (Northbank) with 300 beds that focus on cancer treatment. And there are 300 beds also in Petra Jaya, all run by the private enterprise.
“In other words, we are going to attract patients to come to Sarawak with the best medical treatment that we can offer at a more affordable cost compared to countries like Singapore.”
He said this when officiating the opening of D-Dentist’s Tabuan Jaya branch on Sunday.
Abang Johari added that medical tourism in Sarawak has been growing, with an increasing number of patients coming from Indonesia.
“Data from the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts ministry has shown that flights between Kuching and Jakarta are frequently fully booked.
“To support this growth, we must upgrade our service industries. Healthcare is a comprehensive package, including medical services and dentistry.
“With these new hospitals, Sarawak can position itself as a hub for medical services by collaborating with experts in the field,” he added.
Abang Johari said that the construction of the hospitals is expected to take approximately three years.
“I estimate that construction will take about three years. Additionally, the hospitals will be equipped with the latest medical technology, such as advanced scanning systems that can precisely identify areas requiring treatment,” he said.
