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 Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji 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.  

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