Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has allocated RM5.5 million for the procurement of a sea ambulance for Langkawi and its initial operating costs, with the service expected to commence early next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that the initiative is aimed at enhancing access to faster and more efficient emergency healthcare services for the Langkawi community and tourists. As co-chairman of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Amir Hamzah noted that the sea ambulance would be operated by Hospital Sultanah Maliha (HSM) and would primarily facilitate patient transfers from the hospital to the mainland.
Currently, patient transfers from Langkawi to referral hospitals on the mainland rely on passenger ferry services. This dependency poses challenges, especially when ferry frequencies are reduced, limiting travel options in emergency situations requiring immediate patient transfers.
Earlier, Amir Hamzah attended the presentation of RM700,000 worth of healthcare equipment contributed by MOF to HSM. He emphasized that the sea ambulance service would ensure the health, safety, and privacy of patients during transfers, accommodating two stretchers and 12 personnel to maintain patient comfort and safety.
On the equipment contributed to HSM, Amir Hamzah highlighted its role in strengthening the hospital's capacity to deliver efficient, modern, and high-quality healthcare services to Langkawi residents and the millions of tourists visiting the island annually. The equipment includes medical devices, information technology (IT) facilities, furniture, vehicles, and security systems.
He also welcomed the government's new initiatives, including digitalization, with the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system set to become a key pillar of the Health Ministry. The provision of computers on wheels will enable nurses and doctors to enter patient data directly into the system during ward rounds, connecting HSM with other hospitals. This will expedite service delivery to patients, with medical records immediately available digitally for healthcare personnel involved in their treatment.