SADONG JAYA: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has highlighted an urgent need for additional mammogram machines in the state to meet the high incidence of breast cancer cases, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
During a media briefing after officiating the Medical Basic Equipment Handover Ceremony from Petronas and the Sarawak Association for Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers (Sabati) to the Sadong Jaya Health Clinic, Sim expressed concern about the current state of healthcare facilities in Sarawak.
"Breast cancer accounts for half of the cancer cases here, yet our facilities and equipment are severely lacking," he said.
He said this gap highlights the necessity for health autonomy from the federal government, allowing Sarawak to identify and equip facilities in dire need of such critical diagnostic tools.
Currently, Sarawak has only four mammogram machines located in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu, with the latter being out of service due to repairs.
This shortage has been a pressing concern for healthcare providers and patients alike, as early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Sim also commented on the health autonomy issue, stressing its importance for the Sarawak government to independently allocate funds and improve the healthcare infrastructure, much of which is in a dire state.
In the same event, Petronas contributed medical equipment worth RM52,300 to the Sadong Jaya Health Clinic, affirming its commitment to equip 26 rural health clinics with essential medical equipment valued at approximately RM1.3 million.
