By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 19: The Federal government has agreed to delegate some health autonomy to Sarawak in terms of registration of clinics, licensing of healthcare facilities, and enforcement of regulations, in the spirit of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This was announced by Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian when presenting his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
“The Federal government has agreed to delegate the power vested by Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta or Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) in Federal Ministry of Health (MOH) to the Director of Sarawak State Health Department in three main areas which are registration of clinic, licensing and enforcement.
“Whereas the power of Minister in term of the appointments of Board of Visitor is now under the purview of the Minister in charge of public health in Sarawak,” he said.
The devolution of authority from the CKAPS to Sarawak will expedite the decision-making process and address some matters, beside reducing red tape–excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that hinders or prevents action or decision-making.
On the establishment of the Sarawak Medical Committee (SMC) under the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), Dr Sim mentioned that the discussions on its terms of reference are ongoing.
“The main objective of SMC is to provide a local governance structure that ensures compliance with MMC regulations, while addressing regionally specific healthcare needs and challenges in Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
