KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Prima Health Centre was introduced today as a pioneering healthcare platform utilising the latest technology to address challenges of an ageing population.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart medical devices will play an important role in ensuring that the elderly receive more efficient and personalised care.

“Sarawak is heading towards an ageing population, where 16 per cent of its population is expected to be aged 60 and above soon.

“Healthcare for this group requires a more sophisticated approach. With technology such as AI, personal health data can be analysed to identify the cause of diseases and provide the right solutions,” he explained.

He said this when officiating the UNIMAS Prima Health Centre here, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also shared his vision of the future, whereby smart medical devices will not only collect health data, but also help humans evolve by integrating technology into the body.

According to him, technology such as digital X-rays and other medical detection devices will also pave the way for more proactive healthcare, thus reducing the burden of care in traditional hospitals.

“This centre is not just a digital clinic, but it’s like a workshop to ensure that seniors receive the best and continuous care.

“In the future, humans may be 50 per cent human and 50 per cent machine. This is no longer fiction but a possibility that has been explored,” he added.

According to him, UNIMAS is expected to play an important role in the research and development of this health technology, making Sarawak a hub for digital health innovation in Malaysia.

With the opening of this centre, he explained, Sarawak is not only taking a step forward in providing technology-based healthcare, but also demonstrating its commitment to improve the quality of life of the people, especially the elderly.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Federal Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, Federal Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Sarawak Federal Secretary, Dato Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, Chairman of the UNIMAS Board of Directors, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, and UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit. -UKASnews