KUCHING: Sarawak’s dental care industry can expect to register a strong growth in the decade ahead with the state’s economy projected to continue its upward trend.
In the event health and wellness care as well as medical research are sub-sectors with strong growth potential.
But Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said growth is not automatic as industry players must prepare themselves to be active players to support the vision to develop Sarawak into a medical and dental hub not only in Southeast Asia but also for the world offering the best of treatment and services.
Dentists and medical doctors, he said, should learn and share knowledge to update their skills so that they can provide quality services and attract more foreigners to come to Sarawak to seek treatment.
Abang Johari, represented by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, was speaking at the launch of the 12th Borneo Dental Congress and Trade Exhibition held here Saturday.
He said Kuching witnessed the establishment of its first private hospital, the Normah Specialist Hospital, which was joined later by three other private hospitals.
Over time, healthcare in Kuching has gained popularity among people from neighbouring countries, especially West Kalimantan. The people from West Kalimantan came by road via Tebedu while some may be flying from Pontianak to Kuching.
The Premier believed the industry could be bigger if there is easy access, by air or overland, to tap the market potentials of other countries in the Asian-Oceania region notably Indonesia with the advent of its new capital, Nusantara.
With sufficient travel infrastructure connecting Kuching with other regional destinations, especially in Indonesia and Australia, coupled with the presence of a high-standard of dental care services and competitive pricing, he is confident Sarawak can be a destination of choice for people in the region to obtain oral treatment.
“We hope to fill some of the void and the missing links once Sarawak acquires MASwings from the federal government.
“As I used to say, Sarawak needs an air infrastructure of its own to bring people in, tourists and business travellers alike, because there is no other way to bring them in to the Island of Borneo, except to fly them in,” he added.
Among those present were the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) Associate Professor Dr. Mas Suryalis Ahmad and organising chairman Dr Mary Chieng Ching Ru.
