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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Embassy chips in for flying doctor service
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. Kota Kinabalu: The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur presented a substatial donation of medical equipment to Sabah Health Departments' Flying Doctor Service (FFS) Thursday. The simple ceremony was held at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar located in Tanjung Aru. The generous donation, included portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. The items were handed over to Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman who thanked the crucial role FDS plays in providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing significant logistical challenges. She highlighted that the donated equipment will significantly enhance the FDS's capacity to diagnose, treat, and save lives, particularly in areas with limited access to medical facilities. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' the lady director said. Advertisement She further emphasized the donation's impact on the FDS's ability to provide timely and effective care, strengthening their mobile clinics and empowering medical personnel. The donation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, and officials from the Sabah State Health Department and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnels. Also present to witness the ceremony was Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah. During the morning function, US Army (Military Support Equipment) Captain Bruant Y. Kim highlighted the donation as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia, underscoring a commitment to improving healthcare access for all. Bryant together with his group also expressed the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to monitor the impact of the donated equipment. 'First and foremost, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Layang Layang Aerospace team for allowing us to conduct this ceremony here today. Your support and hospitality have helped make this meaningful event possible… We are here to mark a donation that we hope will have a lasting impact,' Bryant said. He said through the provision of helicopter-related medical equipment, our goal is to strengthen the capabilities of the Sabah State Health Department's Flying Doctor Service in delivering healthcare to those who need it most— especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah. The Flying Doctors Service plays an extraordinary role in connecting communities with lifesaving care, often in places where there are no roads and no other means of access. The challenges are many, but so too is the determination and dedication of the Flying Doctors Service team. This effort reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia. We believe that when we work together government to government, and people to people—we can achieve great things. He said it ( donation) means helping to bring healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. May this contribution serve as a symbol of our friendship and as a tool to help you reach those in need, he concluded. On his part, Johan said the donated equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capabilities, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective medical services to Sabah's most vulnerable populations. He said the event served as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to improving healthcare access in Sabah. Johan agreed with the State Health Director that the donation will enhance ability to diagnose, treat, and save lives more effectively. From the most basic diagnostic tools to more advanced life-saving apparatus, each item will be put to immediate and impactful use, strengthening our mobile clinics and enabling our doctors and nurses to perform their critical work with greater efficiency and confidence, Johan qouted Maria as saying. He said the act of generosity underscores the strong bond between the United States and Malaysia, and specifically, the commitment of the US Embassy to supporting the well-being of the people of Sabah. 'It reflects their broader goal of deepening cooperation and mutual respect…This donation is a powerful reminder that when nations come together, driven by shared values of humanity and mutual respect, remarkable things can be achieved,' Johan emphasized. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sharp rise in HFMD cases, but situation is under control
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Despite the surge, proactive control measures have led to a downward trend in recent weeks. - pic for illustration only Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Health Department reported a sharp increase in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) this year, but the situation remains under control. Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman said a total of 1,406 HFMD cases were recorded during Epidemiological Week 18, a significant rise compared to 266 cases during the same period in 2024 marking an increase of 428 per cent. 'Currently, we are seeing an increase in HFMD cases in Sabah. However, thanks to the control measures and care initiatives we've implemented, the situation is under control, and the number of cases is gradually decreasing. 'Despite the surge, proactive control measures have led to a downward trend in recent weeks. 'With the interventions and care we've put in place, the HFMD situation in Sabah is currently under control and showing signs of improvement,' she said when commenting on the current situation of HFMD cases in Sabah after opening the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation programme themed 'Our Nurses, Our Future, Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies' held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. Cumulatively, Dr Maria said Sabah registered 6,919 HFMD cases during Epidemiological Week 1 to Week 18, which spans the period from January 1 up to May 10 (Saturday), this year. She is awaiting the latest figures for the current week, which typically runs from Sunday through Saturday. She said the department continues to monitor the situation closely and urged parents and caregivers to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid crowded places if children show symptoms, and seek early treatment to prevent further spread. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 99,601 cases of HFMD. Nationwide as of Week 17 this year, with Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 27, 118 cases, followed by Johor with 9,864 cases, Perak with 9,347 cases, Kelantan with 7,147 cases, Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur ( and Putrajaya with 6,850 cases. The Ministry stated that no deaths related to HFMD cases had been reported.
