KUCHING: A meeting on health autonomy will be held here on Jan 19 co-chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian who stated this pointed out that while autonomy over health is provided for under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) it is a complex matter as it involves finances.
It also involves services and regulatory aspects on staffing, he said.
“We have a very good idea of what we want for Sarawak. It is an ongoing discussion and hopefully, we can work together and there will be good news for the healthcare workers and staff of the Sarawak Health Department.
“The Sarawak government and Sarawakians’ aspiration is to get more autonomy on healthcare,” he told reporters after officiating a seminar held at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), today (Jan 11).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the Sarawak health autonomy goes beyond the white paper.
“The Sarawak government’s aspiration is that we can do better if the power is delegated back to Sarawak with the money. Do not give back (health autonomy) without giving money,” he stressed.
On Jan 7, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the federal government has in principle agreed to return autonomy over education and health to Sarawak.
