F1: MOH Mobilises Over 200 Health Personnel Of Various Disciplines, Agencies - Dzulkefly

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has mobilised over 200 healthcare personnel across various disciplines and agencies to ensure optimal medical and health preparedness for the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

In a Facebook post today, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said these preparations are crucial, as the prestigious event is expected to draw nearly 150,000 spectators.

"Even more impressive is the fact that the national medical coordination co-led by Malaysia’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Sharifah Fetom Syed Ali demonstrates that our team serves as more than just medical commanders at the circuit.

"Dr Sharifah Fetom, alongside the MOH medical leadership team, has also excelled in the role of a 'medical diplomat,' fostering technical cooperation between Malaysia and Bahrain."

"Joint training exercises between the medical teams of both nations have been conducted intensively since September 24 to ensure international-standard compatibility," said Dzulkefly.

Dzulkefly, who took the time to visit and meet the unsung heroes at the SIC in conjunction with the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain F1 GP event today, noted that behind the roar of the engines lies the dedication and tireless effort of rapid response teams, aeromedical evacuation logistics supported by two helicopter assets, and seamless operations at the Circuit Medical Centre.

Overall, Dzulkefly said the strategic operation mobilised hundreds of personnel to ensure the smooth functioning of the entire care chain from initial treatment at the scene to transfer to referral hospitals.

"This level of preparedness is a true manifestation of an extraordinary 'whole-of-government' and cross-agency approach," he said.

He noted that this major collaboration involved not only the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, the Civil Defence Force, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and the Royal Malaysia Police, but was also supported by national higher education and medical institutions, including Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, University Malaya Medical Centre, and the International Islamic University Malaysia.

"At the final referral stage, Kuala Lumpur Hospital stands ready as the primary pillar (main referral centre), fully supported by Prince Court Medical Centre, Putrajaya Hospital, Aurelius Hospital, the National Heart Institute (IJN), and the network of MOH specialist hospitals across the Klang Valley," he said.

Dzulkefly also expressed his appreciation to all medical personnel, the management of SIC and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), as well as all agencies involved in ensuring safety and health aspects throughout the hosting of the race.

The 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain F1 GP race is taking place at SIC from yesterday until Sunday, seeing the iconic circuit serve as a temporary venue for the prestigious event.

 In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the race following an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

-- BERNAMA