KUCHING: Prioritising and maintaining the good health of the people becomes crucial amid rapid development and as the state progresses towards a modern economy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In order to achieve this, he stressed that the state’s health infrastructure needed to be upgraded.
“That is why the Sarawak government, even though health matters are under the purview of the federal government, has authority on public health.
“Under our discussion with the federal government on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), we wanted certain autonomy and an integrated approach for us to look after the health of our people.
“The health of the country is one thing; the health of the people is also important. We are negotiating with the federal government to upgrade all our (health facility) infrastructures,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the 6th Sarawak Mental Health Conference 2023, themed ‘Diversifying Mental Health Specialties in Borneo,’ at the Imperial Hotel here today (Aug 5).
On a related note, he said the state government has set aside RM200 million to establish the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) and RM1.2 billion to set up the Sarawak Cancer Centre, with both centres to be located at Kota Samarahan.
“The federal government said there is not enough funding to build the cancer centre, but I said never mind, Sarawak will build it first, and then you (the federal government) will pay us (Sarawak) later.
“I try to look for money to build it, because what is important is that ultimately people must have good health services.
“The people are entitled to it, and that is where the state government, under my leadership, puts fair emphasis on economic development and the welfare of the people,” he said.
During the event, Abang Johari also approved an allocation of RM100,000 for Sentosa Hospital to carry out rehabilitation activities for its patients.
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