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Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Tiong: Empower nurses to build stronger healthcare system
(From second left) Teh, Tiong, Ho, Nita and Natha in a group photo as they cut the cake on stage during the event. SIBU (May 17): Stakeholders and leaders must prioritise investment in nurses to create a healthcare environment where they feel valued, empowered, and supported, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Speaking at the Nurses Day celebration here last night, Tiong emphasised that nurses are not only caregivers but also educators, advocates, and essential pillars of the healthcare system. 'Nurses are the future of healthcare. We must provide them with the resources, support, and training they need for professional growth and well-being,' said the Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman. He said the compassion and commitment shown by nurses not only impact their patients but also families and the broader community. 'It is their unwavering spirit that strengthens the very fabric of our economy. Healthy citizens lead to higher productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and an improved quality of life for all,' he said. Tiong urged nurses to continue advocating for themselves and their profession, noting that their insights are vital in shaping healthcare policy. 'Your voices matter. Those in power must listen to you because you understand your patients' needs best,' he said. Touching on the 2025 Nurses Day theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies', Tiong said it was especially relevant as the country faces increasing pressure on its healthcare system. 'The shortage of nurses means many of you are forced to multitask under tremendous pressure. Yet, your ability to provide optimal patient care despite these challenges speaks volumes about your resilience and dedication,' he said. He described the event as the largest Nurses Night Dinner in history, uniting staff from Sibu Hospital, cluster hospitals, Rejang Medical Centre, and the Nursing Training Institute—a reflection of the strong camaraderie within the nursing community. Tiong announced a contribution of RM10,000 to support annual activities for Sibu nurses, and pledged to sponsor 200 tables for next year's Appreciation Dinner for nurses and doctors at Sibu Hospital. Also present at the event were Sibu Hospital director Dr Nathakumar Thirunavukkarasu, Sibu Divisional Medical Officer Dr The Jo Hun, Head of Nurses Nita Bakar, and event organiser Florence Ho. In his remarks, Dr Nathakumar praised nurses as the backbone of healthcare, recalling the legacy of Florence Nightingale. 'When I see the lamp, I remember the Lady with the Lamp. Her observations and dedication during wartime changed hygiene practices and dramatically reduced soldier mortality,' he said. He reminded nurses that they are not alone, adding: 'Today's times are challenging, and expectations are high, but nurses have proven time and again their strength and resilience.' healthcare nurses Tiong King Sing
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Nurses are architects of Malaysia's future healthcare, says Tiong
Tiong urges policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. – Bernama photo SIBU (May 16): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for stronger support and investment in Malaysia's nursing workforce, describing nurses as the 'architects of the future healthcare landscape'. Speaking at the Nurses Night event organised by the Sibu Hospital in conjunction with the Nurses' Day celebration today, he urged policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. 'They are the future of healthcare, and we must ensure their well-being and professional development are prioritised. We must create an environment where nurses feel valued, empowered and supported with adequate resources and training,' he said. The Dudong assemblyman also stressed the need to listen to nurses and involve them in healthcare policy-making, noting that their frontline experience gives them unique insights into patient care and systemic challenges. 'Their voices matter, and those in positions of power must hear them,' he said. He also acknowledged the immense pressure nurses faced due to staffing shortages, which have forced many to juggle multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions. 'Your ability to provide optimal patient care, even with limited resources, speaks volumes about your resilience, professionalism and selfless dedication,' he said. Tiong lauded nurses for their unwavering compassion and commitment, noting their impact extends beyond hospitals to the wider community. 'Your work not only affects the individuals you serve but also their families and society at large,' he added. He also emphasised the economic value of a robust healthcare system supported by healthy citizens. 'Healthy citizens contribute to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs and a better quality of life for all,' he said. Tiong also encouraged nurses to continue advocating for their profession, stating that their expertise is indispensable in charting the course of Malaysia's healthcare future. – Bernama architect celebration future healthcare nurse Tiong King Sing
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Hand hygiene is daily defence, not just campaign, says Sibu Hospital director
(From left) Molly, Dr Vivek, Dr Nanthakumar, Lau, and Dr Nizam pose for a photo-call, while showing their palms in a symbolic gesture to mark World Hand Hygiene Day. SIBU (May 15): In conjunction with World Hand Hygiene Day, Sibu Hospital launched a comprehensive campaign to emphasise the importance of hand hygiene, not just as an annual initiative but as a daily practice to prevent infectious diseases. Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu stressed that proper hand hygiene should become a regular habit, particularly at home, alongside healthcare settings. 'True hand hygiene goes beyond campaigns. Making it a daily routine can significantly reduce illnesses, especially among children and parents,' he said. During the launching of the event yesterday, various awareness activities were held, including a hand hygiene video competition involving over 900 hospital staff, from doctors and nurses to support personnel. These efforts, according to Dr Nanthakumar, are crucial in improving compliance scores, which he noted could rise from 80 per cent to 90 per cent through sustained education and engagement. He also highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of hand-washing and mask-wearing in reducing the spread of diseases such as influenza and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). 'Simple actions like washing hands and wearing masks can curb the spread of infections,' he said. Dr Nanthakumar further warned of growing risks within hospitals due to the presence of drug-resistant organisms Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO). 'In such times, surveillance and response must be heightened. Hand hygiene is a basic, yet powerful defence,' he added. He also advocated for a holistic approach to health, encouraging good hygiene, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits to prevent disease and reduce reliance on strong antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to rising resistance. Present at the event were Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker and Lanang MP Alice Lau, alongside key officials from the State Health Department (JKNS), including senior principal assistant director Dr Vivek Vijayan, Sibu Hospital deputy director Dr Nizam Ishak, and JKNS infection control coordinator Matron Molly Hafsah Jemat. The World Hand Hygiene Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation, promotes the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare and everyday life under this year's campaign themed 'It Might Be Gloves, But It's Always Hand Hygiene'. Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu lead Sibu Hospital World Hand Hygiene Day
