KUCHING: Some progress has been made on Sarawak’s quest for autonomy over health matters but, overall, it is going to take time given the complexities involved.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian however assured that the state government will press on with securing the state’s health autonomy.
“The recent committee meeting chaired by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and myself promises a good start.
“Of course we do not expect some of the laws to change overnight but we are thankful that several of these have been delegated to us,” he said.
“We will continue to pursuit it, which includes other aspects such as inspections on health facilities,” added, pointing out that there is no reason not to get control over checklists.
He said this after officiating at a Chinese New Year (CNY) Carnival at Neon Trend Market here on Monday (Jan 29).
Dr Sim reiterated that the present federal-centred system on health matters is not conducive for the state.
“For example, Sarawak aspires to have its very own satellite heart centre in Sibu and Miri, but the Ministry of Health tells us in states such as Malacca and Negeri Sembilan there are no heart centres.
“They should understand that Sarawak is a huge state, and it would be better for us to have this type of heart centre nearby several districts, so that it would save Sarawakians some transportation cost as they will not have to go far to get heart treatment,” he added.
Having said that Dr Sim disclosed that the committee was working diligently on the delegation of powers.
“MoH is the second largest federal ministry and it is very complex, more complex than education.
“And we want to do a great job because we do not want to simply take over and end up not being good at managing the autonomy,” he said.
