Dr Sim: Wound care support groups to be established statewide
Wee (centre) officiates at the event flanked by Dr Harikrishna (left) and Dr Zulfiqarali. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu
KUCHING (May 9): The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government will establish wound care support groups across Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He explained the initiative aims to bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocates to share knowledge, encourage adherence to treatment plans, as well as provide emotional and social support.
'We believe that healing happens faster when no one feels alone in their journey,' he said in a speech read by Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng at the 3rd D-Foot International Wound Conference 2025 here today.
Dr Sim also announced the development of the Sarawak Wound Care Website, a comprehensive digital platform designed to enhance wound care accessibility and resources throughout the state.
'The platform will allow individuals to easily locate the nearest wound care services, whether in urban hospitals or rural clinics.
'It will also offer professional training through resources, courses, and workshops for healthcare providers, and provide information on available services and referral pathways,' he said.
In addition, the website will feature the latest updates on new treatments, technologies, and research findings in the field of wound care, further supporting research and innovation in Sarawak.
Public education will be another key component, offering guidance on wound prevention, proper care techniques, and when to seek medical attention.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted to promote understanding of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, and to support community outreach initiatives.
'This platform will serve as a bridge—linking people to care, and professionals to resources—ensuring that help is always just a click away,' said Dr Sim.
Dr Sim noted growing concerns over the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Sarawak, particularly diabetes, which continues to impact communities at an alarming rate.
'Nationally, nearly one in five Malaysian adults is living with diabetes, and in Sarawak, we are witnessing the same trend, with a significant number of patients developing diabetic foot ulcers.' he said.
'The reality is sobering: 15 to 20 per cent of diabetic foot ulcer cases end in lower limb amputations. These are not just statistics; they are painful disruptions to lives, livelihoods, and families. That is why wound care is no longer a peripheral issue—it is a core priority in our state's health agenda.'
To tackle this pressing health challenge, Dr Sim outlined Sarawak's bold and proactive wound care strategy, which includes expanding early detection and foot screening programmes at all primary healthcare levels; empowering frontline healthcare workers through updated training and tools; and enhancing community-based wound care services, particularly in rural and remote areas via outreach and telemedicine.
Among those present were Malaysian Society of Wound Care Professionals president Prof Datuk Dr Harikrishna KR Nair and D-Foot International president Prof Dr Zulfiqarali G Abbas.
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