SIBU: Sarawak encounters many challenges in delivering quality healthcare to its people, especially in the rural area, says Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Deputy Premier pointed out that the state is grappling with manpower shortages, including House Officers, Medical Officers, and Specialists in both the public and private sectors.
In response to this issue, Dr Sim said the Sarawak Government, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, has undertaken several initiatives to address these challenges, yielding positive results.
“Sarawak has initiated the work to acquire health autonomy in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“In getting the health autonomy, Sarawak would be able to implement specific measures and strategies to fulfil the special needs of our people, especially for those from the rural areas,” he said.
He said this in his speech read out by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek at the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak’s 51 Anniversary dinner here last night (Oct 21).
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, expressed his belief that with healthcare autonomy, Sarawak can achieve a high standard of healthcare by the year 2030.
“I hope that MMA Sarawak will rise up and become an important stakeholder to play an active role and be part of the vision of quality healthcare for all,” he said.
Also present were MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, MMA Sarawak Chairman, Dr Liew Shan Fap and others.
