Switzerland’s decentralisation model an option for Sarawak’s healthcare autonomy

Dr Sim (centre, in blue) poses for a group photo with others during his visit at Bern, Switzerland. Source: Dr Sim Hui Kian/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 25: Sarawak is striving towards healthcare independence by considering adapting and modifying Switzerland’s model which involves decentralisation to canton governments and municipal service incorporated within the healthcare system.

Canton governments consist of subdivisions of an established country for political or administrative purposes, in which the Switzerland consists of 26 cantons that are member states of the Swiss Confederation.


According to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian in a post on Facebook, the federal government in Switzerland mainly regulates healthcare and does not provide any services, leaving the task to the respective municipalities within the country.

He said this yesterday (April 24) following his recent visit to Bern, Switzerland and noted that Swiss residents are required to purchase insurance from 45 companies which are not allowed to make profit from the people according to their government’s health regulations.

“Compared to Malaysia, (where) the current healthcare is totally dependent (on) the Federal Government’s Ministry of Health,” said Dr Sim.

He added that Sarawak will continue to fight for the rights under Article 112D of the Malaysian Constitution. — DayakDaily