By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 8: Sarawak will renegotiate the delegation of regulatory powers over private healthcare facilities and services currently vested in the federal Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) back to the State.
Speaking after officiating PETRONAS’ handover of medical supplies at Batu Kawa Health Clinic on Tuesday (Jan 7), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that although an earlier agreement to devolve authority had been reached, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reversed the decision last year in favour of corporatisation.
“We don’t want corporatisation as it will cost Sarawak more. The control should be with Sarawak,” he said, stressing the need for local oversight to better meet the State’s healthcare needs.
CKAPS currently regulates licensing, monitoring, and quality standards of private clinics and hospitals under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said transferring regulatory authority would allow Sarawak to better plan healthcare services in line with workforce requirements, particularly given the State’s shortage of around 2,000 doctors by Malaysian standards.
He linked the move to broader efforts under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to regain healthcare autonomy.
“Healthcare is very complex. It is not just money; it’s human resources. We need control to plan effectively for Sarawak’s long-term needs,” he said, adding that discussions with MOH director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab would be revisited.
The Deputy Premier noted that Sarawak’s MA63 medical committee will oversee local healthcare planning, with the goal of creating sustainable strategies for both public and private sectors.
He also highlighted that, beginning this year, the Sarawak Medical Committee, which includes all registered medical practitioners, will operate under the State’s own committee, marking the first of several small but significant steps toward greater autonomy. — DayakDaily
