KUCHING: Bureaucratic delays should never overshadow efforts to improve the health sector for the people’s benefit, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said issues arose when Sarawak planned to establish a cancer centre, which encountered bureaucratic hurdles with the federal government and caused delays in its implementation.
“I told Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Sarawak would use its own funds from the state coffers first to build the cancer centre, and then the federal government should reimburse the costs.
“He agreed with this formula, and now we will proceed with the cancer centre.
“This is for the people’s needs, as the Sarawak government is advancing RM1 billion from our own funds. While this is democracy, it can be solved when there is mutual trust between the two parties,” he said.
He made these remarks when officiating at the state banquet in conjunction with the 64th National AGM of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak Branch at Sheraton Hotel last night (Sept 5).
Touching on other challenges in the health sector, Abang Johari named equity, accessibility and reaching rural populations as the biggest obstacles.
“We have clinics, but some are in poor condition. The buildings are dilapidated. Reaching patients in rural areas also faces transportation challenges.
“To address this, we have employed air (flying) doctors to ensure healthcare accessibility, but we need to reconsider ways to better connect people to these services.
“That’s why we are prioritising infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water in rural areas,” he added.
Abang Johari also said the state government is taking the initiative to allocate its own funds to upgrade roads and build bridges to strengthen connectivity and transportation in the state.
“For the last four years, we have spent RM20 billion from the state coffers to reach out to the rural people,” he added.
The MMA AGM, held alongside a scientific conference, takes place from Sept 5 to 7 in Kuching, with 400 delegates from across the country participating.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, MMA president-elect Datuk Dr. Kalwinder Singh Khaira and MMA Sarawak Branch chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vice-chancellor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit.
