BINTULU: The Sarawak government has established a strategic partnership with Fudan Hospital, China in an effort to strengthen the field of scientific research and the development of new medicine in the state.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the move is in line with the government's aspiration to make Sarawak a health research hub in the region, thus increasing the state's preparedness to face the challenges of new diseases.

"Now we are facing many new disease problems.

"That is why the Sarawak government has invested RM300 million to develop a research laboratory with scientific expertise.

"The collaboration with Fudan Hospital, which is exploring the trend of research medicine, will open up a big space for us," he said in a press conference after officiating the rebranding of Kemena Pacific Hospital here on Saturday.

The Sarawak Premier added that the effort would not only enhance the state's ability to produce new medicines, but also improve the health care system, thus benefiting the people and foreign investors operating in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also congratulated Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) for taking over Columbia Hospital Bintulu and rebranding it as Kemena Pacific Hospital.

He said the expansion of the private hospital's operations, which now has six branches in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu, would further complete the health service network in the state.

“This development proves that our private health system is growing rapidly.

"With the combination of public and private hospitals, we can provide more efficient health services and can accommodate the needs of foreign investment, especially in Bintulu,” he said.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Bintulu Division Resident, Datu Nyurak Keti, General Manager of Borneo Medical Group, Dr. Peter Tang Ing Bing, Chief Medical Services Of Kemena Pacific Hospital, Dr. Thomas Lau Yun Guan and other guests. -UKASnews