KUCHING: Health autonomy is a complex matter, and a very comprehensive discussion is needed to achieve the parameter of autonomy, said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim said some of the issues concerning the matter include funding for operations, equipment, and qualified manpower, aside from healthcare services and regulations.
“The implementation process, the regulatory process… all these need to be discussed.
“We will get the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) to chair the meeting with all the relevant stakeholders and talk about it in greater detail,” he told reporters after attending the Chinese New Year combined open house held at Dewan Masyarakat Jalan Padungan, here, today (Jan 23).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, also noted that all related issues need to be resolved by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 implementation action committee before delegating the health autonomy to the state.
Following the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently, he said a lot has been discussed in depth by the committee.
He emphasised that it is beyond the taking over of health autonomy, but Sarawak is in need of more doctors, nurses and other health personnel, allocations, and equipment.
“A lot of people didn’t realise it (health autonomy) was so complex. As much as we want to settle this as fast as possible, this has to be comprehensive as well,” he said.
