By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak’s healthcare achievements stand in contrast to the funding and staffing pressures faced by its hospitals, prompting Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian to call for stronger federal support.
He said Sarawak Heart Centre has been ranked among Asia Pacific’s top 100 specialised hospitals for cardiology by Newsweek since 2023, while Sarawak General Hospital has earned recognition for its clinical research.
“Sarawak General Hospital’s Dr Voon Pei Jye has been recognised as a top research medical specialist in Malaysia for four consecutive years. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the awards last year,” he highlighted during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, pointing to the dedication of healthcare personnel who continue to serve despite shortages, heavy workloads and inadequate remuneration.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s hospitals had demonstrated their capabilities at both national and regional levels and called for greater federal funding and health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Sarawak needs RM17.26 billion to bring its healthcare facilities up to the standard of Peninsular Malaysia.
“The amount comprises RM8.98 billion to upgrade and repair existing hospitals and health clinics, and RM8.28 billion to build new facilities,” he said.
The funding request comes after Anwar announced RM47.7 billion for national healthcare under the Budget 2027. Sarawak is hoping to receive a substantial allocation to address its healthcare infrastructure and service needs.
He also called for special recruitment powers to fill 5,654 vacant posts in the Sarawak Health Department, representing 18 per cent of its total workforce.
He further sought the creation of 11,000 posts across various categories to meet Health Ministry staffing norms following an audit of seven hospitals by the Health Ministry and the Public Service Department.
“Sarawak is not asking for better facilities or more healthcare personnel than Peninsular Malaysia, but simply wants its people to enjoy comparable healthcare standards,” he explained.
The funding forms part of the Health Ministry’s support for the Sarawak Health Department’s operating needs, healthcare workforce development and the upgrading and maintenance of health facilities. —DayakDaily
