KUCHING, 11 July 2026 – The Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), in collaboration with the Unit Perolehan Organ Hospital (UPOH), Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), successfully organised the Basic Organ Donation Course Sarawak 2026 at the Clinical Research Centre (CRC), UNIMAS. The programme marked a significant milestone as the first collaboration between FMHS UNIMAS and UPOH SGH, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening organ donation across Sarawak.
The course, which was officiated by Associate Professor Dr Johnny Kiu Toh Sing on behalf of UNIMAS, brought together anaesthetists from across the state, including participants from Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu and Sarikei, alongside a medical physician from Hospital Miri. The diverse participation reflected the growing recognition that successful organ donation requires close collaboration among healthcare professionals from different disciplines and institutions.
Jointly led by Dr Wong Wai Kit, together with Associate Professor Dr Samuel Tsan Ern Hung and Associate Professor Dr Johnny Kiu Toh Sing, the organising committee worked closely with Dr Uma Devi Ramadass, Clinical Manager of UPOH SGH to deliver a comprehensive programme that combined expert lectures with immersive simulation based learning. The organising team was also ably supported by Matron Salmah and Staff Nurse Addilia, whose dedication contributed greatly to the smooth running of the event.
Designed specifically for clinicians involved in intensive care, the one day course addressed the key components of the organ donation pathway, including breaking bad news and family communication, brain death diagnosis, donor maintenance and anaesthetic management during organ procurement. Participants benefited from highly interactive lectures delivered by nationally recognised experts, followed by hands on simulation workshops that allowed them to practise communication skills, clinical assessment and donor management in realistic scenarios.
The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished faculty members comprising Dr Omar Sulaiman, Dr Chong Shu Juen, Dr Sharon Oh, and Dr Hasdy Haron, for travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to share their expertise and experience. The organisers also wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Astellas Pharma Malaysia for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support in making this inaugural programme possible.
The success of the Basic Organ Donation Course Sarawak 2026 represents another important step in UNIMAS mission of advancing clinical excellence, professional education and collaborative healthcare partnerships. By empowering frontline clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills required throughout the organ donation process, FMHS UNIMAS and UPOH SGH hope to contribute towards enhancing organ donation practices and improving transplant readiness throughout Sarawak.
