By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 11: The decentralisation and Sarawak healthcare autonomy discussion at the federal level is being chaired by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is chairing the meeting at the State-level.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Sim Kui Hian who told the press this after officiating at the ‘Hand and Healthcare Environmental Hygiene’ seminar, pointed out that healthcare autonomy is a complex issue involving various stakeholders.
As it is an important issue, therefore the meeting with various stakeholders in Sarawak is being chaired by the Premier himself and it involves various stakeholders including Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak Water Board, Sarawak Multimedia Agency and so on.
Dr Sim also revealed that Anwar is coming to Sarawak on Jan 19 and there will be serious talk about Sarawak’s health autonomy.
He pointed out healthcare is a complex issue as it does not just relate to healthcare services and regulations, but also financial issues and so on.
“We have a very good idea of what we want for Sarawak. It is an ongoing discussion and hopefully we can work together and there will be good news for the staff of Sarawak Health Department and healthcare workers in Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government and Sarawakians’ aspiration is to take up healthcare, to get more autonomy on healthcare. ”
He said Sarawak’s support the Health Ministry’s white paper that was previously tabled by former Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin but unfortunately Parliament was dissolved.
However, Dr Sim added, Sarawak healthcare autonomy goes beyond a white paper.
“The Sarawak government aspiration’s is we can do better if power is delegated back to Sarawak, with the money. Do not give back (healthcare autonomy) without giving money.” — DayakDaily
