Page 383 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK 381
The pharmacy at Sarawak General Hospital. Medicines are dispensed on the spot to save patients any inconvenience, and to ensure accurate and economical dispensing of medicines. Sarawak also has a thriving private pharmacy sector, ranging from national chain pharmacies to small family-run businesses.
Specialist Medical Centre (Sibu); Columbia Asia Medical Centre (Miri) and Columbia Asia Medical Centre (Bintulu). These
are supported by literally hundreds of private medical and dental clinics, both general and specialist. There is also a complementary and alternative medicine sector, with Chinese traditional medicine, chiropractic and osteopathy treatment available in major urban centres.
Beside providing elective healthcare to the local population, the private sector also caters to the expatriate population,
as well as a growing number of health tourism patients, especially from neighbouring Indonesia. The main pull factor for these health tourists is a combination of high quality care and very affordable charges. Interesting
healthcare investment opportunities are also open to the right kind of investors.
PHARMACIES
Well-stocked retail pharmacies can be found even in the smallest
towns in Sarawak. Most Pharmacists speak English, dispense prescriptions, advise on minor medical issues, and supply a
wide range of over-the- counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, supplements and healthcare items. Visitors should note that some medicines classed as OTC in their home country may be prescription-only in Malaysia, and vice versa. Uncommon drugs may not be stocked in pharmacies in smaller towns and may have to be ordered, so visitors should always
carry a ready supply of essential medication. Prices for most drugs are in line
with or somewhat lower than international norms. Licensed traditional Chinese pharmacies and herbalists, known as Chinese Medical Halls, are also widely distributed throughout the state.
VETERINARY CARE
Animal health is given as much priority as human health; the veterinary officers of the Ministry
of Agriculture provide veterinary servicers to livestock breeders, as well as quarantine services (especially important as
the state is rabies-free), health screening and wildlife treatment and rescue. Over 30 private veterinary clinics located in all major towns offer modern healthcare facilities for pets and domestic animals. Sarawak SPCA organizes veterinary care for stray and rescued animals in Kuching.