KUCHING: The Sarawak Flying Doctor Service (FDS) has received a donation of medical equipment from the United States Embassy in Malaysia to boost healthcare delivery for rural communities.
According to a TVS news report, the handover ceremony, held at the Layang-Layang Hangar, Kuching International Airport, was officiated by US chargé d’affaires David Gamble together with Sarawak health director Dr Veronica Lugah.
Among the donated items were portable ultrasound machines, mini oxygen concentrators, specialised medical bags, nebulisers, automated external defibrillators (AED), vital signs monitors, digital weighing scales, scanning thermometers and coldboxes.
Gamble said the contribution reflected the United States’ commitment to supporting Sarawak’s efforts to expand access to healthcare in remote areas.
“This contribution reflects our commitment to improving the well-being of the people of Sarawak and strengthening our long-term relationship with Malaysia,” he said.
Dr Veronica expressed her appreciation for the support, stressing that the contribution would enhance the effectiveness of medical teams in delivering emergency treatment in remote locations.
Established in 1973 under the Ministry of Health, the Flying Doctor Service has been the backbone of healthcare outreach to areas inaccessible by road or river while also providing emergency evacuation for critical patients.
The donation forms part of the second phase of a RM250,000 package involving both Sabah and Sarawak. Earlier, on May 29, similar equipment was presented to the Sabah Flying Doctor Service in Kota Kinabalu.
