KOTA KINABALU: The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology GUT 2024 is the best platform for exchanging ideas, knowledge sharing and policy discussions that benefit the country’s healthcare system.
Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said the Ministry of Health was committed to transforming healthcare for the benefit of the nation, but this goal cannot be achieved if everyone works in isolation.
“Thus, I am happy to see knowledge-sharing events like this because cooperation across all health stakeholders is extremely vital for us to achieve the goal of a strong and robust Malaysian health sector,” he said at the opening of GUT 2024 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
Deputy Chief Minister II/Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam delivered his speech.
Hajiji said strides made by gastroenterologists in this field, as evident from the workshop agenda and activities, were impressive.
“I must praise all of you for your dedication to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of gastroenterology, as demonstrated through the series of hands-on sessions and live demonstrations in this workshop.
“Discourses such as this are important to foster professional interactions and ensure that the gastroenterologist community has access to the most recent medical information,” he said, adding that discussion platforms like this are also one of the best ways to turn technical advancements into practical steps to raise the level of delivery in the field of gastroenterology to patients.
He also reminded that GUT goes beyond mere exhibition of excellence as it is a platform dedicated to learning and advancement.
“It offers a unique chance for endoscopic nurses and gastrointestinal assistants to receive practical training from distinguished experts in the field,” he said.
The Chief Minister said gastrointestinal endoscopy is conducted in diverse settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, and inpatient and outpatient endoscopy units.
“In this procedure, the nurse typically plays a crucial role within the team and is responsible for the care of endoscopic patients. They are the backbone of the functional assistance. Hence, training and development are important to nurturing talent within the medical field.
“Such initiatives not only showcase excellence but also contribute significantly to advancing skills and knowledge among healthcare professionals.
“I am confident that with your enthusiasm and efficiency, you will be able to live up to future challenges,” he said.
Hajiji hoped that this three-day symposium, featuring local and international speakers, would motivate participants to keep expanding and exploring all the possibilities in gastroenterology.-pr/BNN
