Sibu: Sibu Hospital has received a significant boost in its medical capacity with the handover of 10 High Dependency Unit (HDU) patient care beds and essential medical equipment, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated Neurosurgery HDU.
The contribution, funded under the Unity Government’s PMR allocation, was presented by Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew.
According to Oscar Ling, the new facilities not only enhance healthcare services in the constituency but also elevate the overall standard of care at Sibu Hospital, delivering long-term benefits to the community.
“With Sibu now becoming the second city in Sarawak, after Kuching, to set up a Neurosurgery HDU, we are taking an important step forward in addressing the rising number of stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, intracranial surgery and brain tumour cases,” he said.
Oscar Ling explained that neurosurgical patients, often with weaker immune systems, face a higher risk of infection when admitted alongside other critically ill patients in general ICUs.
“The specialised unit will allow for targeted treatment while reducing cross-infection risks, ensuring safer and more professional care,” he said.
Citing Ministry of Health data, Oscar Ling highlighted that the government spends about RM10 billion annually treating infectious diseases, while indirect losses from reduced productivity and economic impact can reach RM64 billion.
“More alarming is the rise of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol – commonly known as the “Three Highs” which are the leading causes of stroke and heart disease.
“In the medical field, there is a saying: ‘Time is brain.’ For stroke patients, if treatment is delayed beyond 3 to 4.5 hours, speech and mobility functions may be permanently impaired. That is why establishing a Neurosurgery HDU in Sibu is both urgent and necessary,” he stressed.
He also urged the public to prioritise prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet control, reduced sugar intake, and regular exercise.
Oscar Ling recalled his past efforts to improve hospital facilities, including allocating RM500,000 each for Phase One and Phase Two of the hospital’s parking lot in 2019, creating a total of 243 parking spaces.
“With the addition of the specialised patient care beds, the hospital continues to make steady progress in improving infrastructure and services.
“This is not just the handover of medical equipment; it is an important step forward in making Sibu’s healthcare more comprehensive and professional,” he added.
