Deputy premier Dr Sim says AI can boost efficiency and reduce long-term costs in Sarawak’s healthcare system, addressing a shortage of 2,500 doctors.
KUCHING: The artificial intelligence revolution promises to help Sarawak’s healthcare sector overcome its severe manpower shortage, according to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He stated AI technology can significantly improve healthcare delivery efficiency by taking over some human tasks.
This approach eases workload while enhancing diagnosis and treatment processes.
“AI can enable the work of three people to be done by one,” Dr Sim said after the SwinTalk Session at Swinburne University of Technology.
“This will help accelerate the diagnostic process and improve service delivery.”
The Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister noted that while initial AI investment may be high, it could reduce long-term healthcare spending compared to traditional methods.
He highlighted the near-completion of the Fudan Integrative Medicine Research Institute in Miri.
This facility will soon launch an AI doctor consultation service, the first of its kind outside China.
“We are thankful to Fudan University and the Chinese government for sharing this technology with us in Miri,” Dr Sim said.
“I want to see it for myself, because sometimes AI is not that smart.”
He intends to personally evaluate the AI doctor’s accuracy and performance once operational.
Sarawak continues to face a serious shortage of approximately 2,500 doctors.
Dr Sim expressed hope that AI could help reduce reliance on human manpower.
“Out of 650 medical officers sent from Kuala Lumpur, only 66% reported for duty in Sarawak,” he revealed.
This shortage has affected hospital operations across the state. – Bernama
