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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 5: The Sarawak government is presently in discussion with the Federal government to secure a higher degree of autonomy over healthcare matters in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to upgrade and enhance the standard of health facilities and infrastructural capabilities within the region.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised the significance of providing quality healthcare services to the people, asserting their rightful entitlement to such services.
He stated that the Sarawak government under his leadership had been dedicated to maintaining a balanced focus between economic progress and the welfare of the populace, in which its commitment is clearly outlined in the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Sarawak needs to sustain the health of our people, and therefore, we have to upgrade our healthcare infrastructure. Even though healthcare is under the Federal government’s purview, Sarawak has authority in matters concerning public health.
“Under our MA63 discussion (with the Federal government), we want certain autonomy that would enable a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare for our people,” he said when officiating at the 6th Sarawak Mental Health Conference 2023 held at a local hotel today.
Abang Johari indicated that the rapid pace of development in Sarawak has influenced the lifestyle of its people as the region advances toward a more prosperous and modern economy.
Underscoring the equivalence of national and regional health priorities, he affirmed that the Sarawak government continues to negotiate with the central government to modernise the entire healthcare infrastructure within the region.
Abang Johari highlighted several initiatives Sarawak has undertaken to strengthen the local healthcare sector. These efforts include the establishment of a Heart Centre in Samarahan, alongside upcoming projects such as a Teaching Hospital and Prime Health Centre at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Sarawak Infectious Disease Research Centre, and a Cancer Centre that is poised to transform Samarahan into a healthcare hub.
Abang Johari has also approved a grant of RM100,000 for Sentosa Hospital to facilitate rehabilitation activities.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sentosa Hospital director Dr Rosilawati Md Yusoff, Sarawak deputy health director Dr Azlee Ayub, and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health head Dr Siti Nor Aizah Ahmad were among those present. — DayakDaily
