KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be able to effectively offer medical tourism with the creation of more privately owned hospitals coupled with the natural attractions in the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said Sabah would be a good place for patients to recuperate before returning home with pristine beaches, islands, rainforests and the crisp air of Mount Kinabalu.
In his speech read by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun at the Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu topping up ceremony yesterday, Musa said the hospital would further raise the standard of healthcare in the State.
The topping up ceremony was held at the hospital’s construction site to commemorate the overall completion of the building’s structure by the developer.
According to Musa, the privately owned healthcare market is starting to become competitive, and this is a positive move as there are now more options to seek quality medical care.
With the alarming rise of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and other lifestyle related ailments, it is pertinent that Sabah has international class healthcare, he said.
“Currently, some patients from Sabah travel to private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to seek treatment, and it is my hope this new hospital and other private establishments in the State will provide a quality alternative.
“I trust this is precisely what Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu is bringing into the picture, excellent healthcare that is cost effective in a comfortable environment,” he added.
Musa also said that the establishment of the hospital here would be an opportunity for qualified medical personnel from Sabah to find good jobs locally.
“Some of our talents in the medical line have opted to work in Peninsular Malaysia and abroad, in search of greener pastures. This is due to lack of private healthcare in this part of Malaysia, and hopefully, the situation will soon be on a reverse trend.
“This is an opportunity to stop the brain drain and retain talent, and I am pleased to learn that recent recruitment drives have demonstrated that the majority of the positions can be filled with locals who have been waiting for this opportunity,” said Musa.
He added that Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu might also be able to attract medical professionals from other parts of Malaysia.
On his final note, Musa called on private hospitals operating in Sabah to voluntarily carry out community outreach programmes when they are able to, as there are people in remote areas who could benefit from such initiatives.
“Programmes to encourage people to engage in healthy lifestyles are also welcome,” he said.