By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government hopes private healthcare institution would extend its services to rural areas in the state.
State Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said private hospitals should consider carrying out health checks for those who do not have access to healthcare.
"It is my hope that private hospital facilities will also be extended to some of the major towns in Sabah.
"By having those facilities, patients will not have to travel far to access consultation and the related services," he said during the official opening of the Gleaneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu here yesterday.
Musa also said private hospitals could help in easing bed shortages at government hospitals.
He said the rise of chronic illnesses such as cancers, heart disease and other lifestyle related ailments was placing pressure on local public hospitals.
"Although there are more beds now at government hospitals, the number of patients seeking treatment and require hospitalisation is also consistently increasing.
"I do hope private hospitals will continue to organise health screenings and open days to encourage the public to have their health checked," he added.
Earlier, the hospital chief executive officer Jean-Francois Naa said since it started operations on May 5, the hospital has treated more than 4,000 patients including 350 foreign patients.
The hospital also became part of healthcare facilities that provide medical aid to 20 earthquake victims on June 5.
"Gleaneagles is ready to extend unique support services to government hospitals such as the hepatobiliary surgical and interventional radiology procedures," he said.
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| Picture by Chief Minister Office. |
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