SIBU: Sarawak faces a shortage of physiotherapists, with government hospitals across the state currently offering only 24 positions in the field.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that of the total, only 18 positions have been filled while the rest are still vacant.
“For assistant positions, there are about 240 positions, with about 180 positions filled. That is better than none at all, but it still shows that there is a lot of room with many opportunities for development.
“I believe there are many more things we can do,” he said at the official opening of PMG Physiotherapy centre at Jalan Pahlawan here on Saturday (Mar 14).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the physiotherapy sector was a “blue ocean” because it had not yet been fully explored despite its great potential in the healthcare system.
He noted that many still view physiotherapy as solely for treating injuries or movement issues, when in fact the field encompasses much more.
“Physiotherapy covers various aspects including paediatric and geriatric care, neurological rehabilitation after stroke, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, oncological rehabilitation and cognitive rehabilitation,” he said.
Commenting on PMG Healthcare, he is confident that the Sarawak-based healthcare network had the potential to grow into the largest integrated medical network in Malaysia despite starting from Borneo.
Dr Sim said PMG’s journey reflected how an initiative that started in Sarawak could grow into a major healthcare network through the commitment, values and collective efforts of individuals who chose to build time their future in Sarawak.
“I look forward to your expansion to not only become the largest chain but also the largest integrated medical chain in Malaysia, which started from the jungles of Borneo,” he said.
According to him, PMG, which began as a pharmacy in 2012, has grown rapidly and now operates hundreds of branches along with various health facilities.
“More than 10 years ago, around 2012 PMG started with a pharmacy. In 2013 they opened a clinic in Sri Aman as well as a dental clinic.
“Today PMG has more than 200 pharmacies, 40 clinics in Sarawak, eight dental clinics and now two physiotherapy centres. This is a very remarkable achievement,” he said.
Dr Sim also praised PMG’s courage in exploring new technologies such as the use of robotic rehabilitation systems in physiotherapy to improve the quality of life of patients.
Also present were PMG Healthcare Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Chieng King Chong, PMG Healthcare Sdn Bhd deputy managing director Andrew Wong Pak Ung, PMG Healthcare Sdn Bhd chief pharmacist Ling Hung Leong and PMG Physio Sdn Bhd Physiotherapy director Everlynn Hii Yi Xuan.
