KUCHING – Meditation has been highlighted as an important tool to help healthcare workers manage stress in high-pressure hospital environments, with Sarawak leaders urging greater awareness of its benefits.
Speaking at the 2nd United Nations World Meditation Day programme at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Sunday, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, emphasised the need for stress management strategies among medical staff.
He noted that hospitals are often perceived as centres for patient care, yet they are equally demanding workplaces for doctors, nurses, and support staff.
“Hospitals are stressful environments, not just for patients and their families, but also for the medical staff. When healthcare workers are stressed, they are more prone to making mistakes,” he said. He added that meditation provides a way for individuals to pause, reflect, and regain focus.
SGH, which employs around 5,000 staff and houses 1,000 beds, operates on an annual budget of RM834 million.
Dr. Sim pointed out that this figure is significantly lower than hospitals of similar size in developed countries, yet SGH continues to deliver efficient services thanks to the resilience and dedication of its workforce.
The Deputy Premier praised healthcare workers for their commitment, stressing that their ability to maintain high standards despite resource limitations reflects their professionalism and determination.
He said meditation programmes can strengthen empathy and resilience, qualities essential for those working in demanding healthcare settings.
The appreciation of meditation as a stress-relief practice aligns with global findings. Studies have shown that meditation can reduce burnout, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation among healthcare professionals.
The United Nations has also promoted meditation as a universal practice to foster well-being and peace, with events like World Meditation Day encouraging institutions worldwide to adopt mindfulness-based approaches.
The Kuching event included guided meditation sessions and awareness activities aimed at encouraging hospital staff to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines.
Organisers highlighted that such practices not only benefit individual well-being but also improve patient care by reducing errors linked to stress and fatigue.
Dr. Sim concluded that initiatives like World Meditation Day serve as reminders of the importance of mental health in healthcare systems.
He urged continued support for programmes that promote emotional resilience, noting that healthcare workers remain the backbone of Sarawak’s medical services.
