Sarawak’s Health Autonomy: Medical Committee Marks Key Progress
KUCHING, Dec 28 – The formation of the Sarawak Medical Committee (SMC) marks a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards achieving health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This initiative highlights Sarawak’s commitment to greater self-governance in healthcare, reflecting its progressive vision.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian shared this significant development during the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak’s 50th Golden Anniversary Dinner last night. In his remarks, he emphasized the SMC’s collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and revealed plans to host the council’s next meeting in Sarawak.
“We have informed them that Sarawak will eventually establish its own medical council,” Dr Sim stated, underscoring the state’s determination to manage healthcare policies locally.
Dr Sim further announced the commissioning of a Sarawak Private Health Institute Master Plan, developed in partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He called on stakeholders to actively contribute ideas to strengthen this groundbreaking initiative.
“This is what we call health autonomy. It is a significant step—a roadmap that won’t happen overnight,” Dr Sim remarked, highlighting the long-term nature of this ambitious goal.
The event also saw the attendance of other prominent figures, including Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and his wife, Datin Dayang Halimah Abang Paul; Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak president Dr Liew Shan Fap; Malaysian Medical Association president Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira; and other distinguished guests.
Sarawak’s efforts to achieve health autonomy not only demonstrate progress but also showcase the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services for its people through collaborative and innovative approaches.