Despite the risks posed by helicopter travel, the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), which operates in the interiors of Sarawak must continue, said medical personnel today.

According to them, there is a 'real need' for the service, which benefits the communities residing in remote areas accessible only by foot or river.

FDS, which was started in 1975, comprises a doctor, nurse and medical assistant from each of the three zones - Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

Flying in a helicopter belonging to the state-owned Hornbill Skyways, the teams make one to three trips daily.

They visit the villages on a monthly basis and spend about two to three hours in a particular village.

The teams cover one to three villages daily, depending on the distance of the villages from the respective zones and the attendance rate of the villagers.

Following the recent helicopter crash in Sarawak which left seven dead, including state assistant minister Dr Judson Tagal, there have been calls to review the FDS operations.

Certain quarters also questioned the effectiveness of these 'flying doctors'.

Requesting anonymity, a state medical department official said although there have been several mishaps involving the FDS, 'fortunately there has been no fatalities'.

Urgent review

In a letter published yesterday in a national English daily, a former 'flying doctor' called for an urgent review of the service due to the risks.

He said a more effective way of delivering medical care to those living in the interiors would be by posting a medical assistant there or to have telemedicine facilities for communication and advice.

According to him, the FDS "cannot do very much" but medical personnel claim otherwise.

"It is more than just dispensing paracetamol and antacids or listening to the chests of the villagers. It helps with urgent medical evacuation of serious cases," said one of them.

According to the medical personnel, since 1985 many of the remote villages have 'trained health promoters' based there while some even have clinics.

Areas considered risky are in Ulu Baram and Ulu Kapit due to the dangers posed by the treacherous mountain terrain, especially during bad weather.

"Our medical personnel fly on the advice of the pilot. We do not take unnecessary risks when the weather is really foul. Under such circumstances, we have to re-schedule our visits," explained one medical personnel.

FDS is funded by the Health Ministry which has a contract with Hornbill Skyways.

TONY THIEN is malaysiakini's Kuching-based stringer.