Dr Sim: More mammography machines needed in govt hospitals

SADONG JAYA (Feb 23): Sarawak is in dire need of additional mammography machines in government hospitals to improve the capability for detecting breast cancer cases across the state.

In highlighting this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state currently possesses only four such machines in government health facilities, with one of them rendered unusable.

He revealed that approximately 52 per cent of breast cancer patients are women, not only in urban areas but also rural regions.

“Sarawak is far behind in healthcare facilities, and that’s why Sarawak demands autonomy in health matters with the federal government.

“This is to facilitate Sarawak in identifying where these facilities are provided. Imagine, in public health facilities in this state, there are only four mammography machines, and one of them is out of order.

“This diminishes the effectiveness of healthcare services in detecting such diseases,” he said.

Dr Sim told this to reporters when met during the official handover of medical equipment from Petronas and Sabati (Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers, Sarawak) at Sadong Jaya Health Clinic here today.

The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the machines are in Sibu, Kuching, Miri and Bintulu while the dysfunctional machine is in Bintulu and is awaiting repairs.