THE Sarawak government has recommended to the Ministry of Health (MoH) that it be given autonomy to address healthcare shortcomings in the state.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the devolution of power to the state will enable it to improve the health status indicators in Sarawak; reduce the health care gaps in terms of coverage, accessibility, quality and safety; and enhance health and public utilities to rural health facilities, as well upgrade the health service delivery to the people.
“All these are to be carried out through empowerment to the Sarawak government with executive authority over health to enable the state government to address shortcomings to the healthcare system.
“It is the Sarawak government’s hope that the references and recommendations made will be taken into consideration by the federal government to enhance and upgrade the health services in the Sarawak for the benefit and wellbeing of the people,” she said.
Hasidah was replying to See Chee How (Independent-Batu Lintang) during question time. See wanted to know if the state will make a reference to the MoH before the presentation of a proposed White Paper to Parliament, to seek to include proposals to discuss the devolution of medicine and health matters to Sarawak during the question-and-answer session at the DUN today (May 19).
Hasidah also said the matter has been brought up to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf for further action.
On whether there is any provision in the Federal Constitution that’s allows such executive authority or empowerment to Sarawak on the devolution of health matters to Sarawak, Hasidah said the constitution do allow for delegation of executive authority or empowerment to the state.
“This is provided for in Article 80(4) of the Federal Constitution. Article 80(4) states as follows: ‘Federal law may provide that the executive authority of a state shall extend to the administration of any specified provisions of federal law and may for that purpose confer powers and impose duties on any authority of the state’.
“Hence, the executive authority requested by the Sarawak government may be conferred through the above mentioned provision, to enable the Sarawak government to carry out the federal functions over health matters,” she said.
To a question on what the alternative solutions are in the event this executive authority empowerment is not agreed upon by the federal government, Hasidah said if the federal government does not agree to this executive authority empowerment, then alternatively administrative arrangements, particularly over the setting up, maintenance, human resources and equipment of hospitals, clinics and others can be implemented or undertaken by the Sarawak government with the provision of necessary fund as provided for under Article 80(5) of the Federal Constitution.
“This could be agreed upon between the federal and Sarawak governments.
“This issue will also be brought up to Fadillah for further deliberation and we hope that it can be resolved so that the Sarawak government can enhance the health services in Sarawak for the benefit of the people,” she added.
