4 days ago
Kuching's Hospital Sentosa receives RM946,000 equipment donation
Dr Sim (seated centre) and other guests (from left) Wee, Yevette, Larry, Dr Rosliwati, Yap in a photo call with the hospital staff members at the handover ceremony today. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (May 29): Hospital Sentosa here today received a donation of medical and non-medical equipment worth RM946,000 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, facilitated by the Rotary Club of Urban Kuching.
The handover ceremony, held at the hospital, was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister.
In his keynote address, Dr Sim expressed appreciation to both organisations for their generous contribution, which he said would significantly enhance mental healthcare services in the state.
'This morning, we are coming together not just to deliver love, but actually deliver with patience and enthusiasm,' he said.
The donation is part of a broader initiative totalling RM1.9 million, which also saw Hospital Bau receiving RM511,000 worth of equipment on May 26, and Hospital Lundu receiving RM395,000 on May 27.
Dr Sim commended Elder Larry and Sister Yevette Hathaway of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, for their dedication and contributions.
He said the contribution is aimed at strengthening hospital operations by equipping healthcare professionals with essential tools, especially in the field of mental health.
'Even though Hospital Sentosa is the only major specialist hospital institute to focus on mental health in Sarawak, this shows how inclusive it is.
'It's always very hard in our community when you say mental hospitals, everybody has this stigma, but they forget that mental health now is really quite common and crying for help in the community,' he said.
Dr Sim also highlighted the pressing need for healthcare development in Sarawak, stating that 70 per cent of the state's healthcare facilities are currently in a dilapidated state.
He reiterated Sarawak's call for greater autonomy in healthcare management under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He noted that the Sarawak government remains committed to improving healthcare infrastructure, citing the state's RM1 billion allocation for the upcoming cancer hospital in Kuching.
He further emphasised the importance of collaboration between local and international partners to enhance public health services, stating that the impact of current efforts will be felt for years to come.
'What you do today, in 20 years, may be very different. You have to sow the seed. Whether through government efforts or other initiatives, we will continue to evolve and transform,' he said.
Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Hospital Sentosa director Dr Rosliwati Mohd Yusoff and Nigel Wee, who represented the President of the Rotary Club of Urban Kuching.
