Dr Sim: Kuching’s recognition as ‘Angels Region’ supports Sarawak’s health autonomy bid

KUCHING (Feb 8): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is more determined than ever to push for health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) following Kuching’s recognition as one of the top stroke care regions in the world.

The recognition — Angels Region status — was earned through the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Angels Awards, with Gold Status conferred on Borneo Medical Centre and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), a public hospital.

Building on this, Dr Sim pointed out that public healthcare workers are not sufficiently rewarded for their efforts and said he would work towards ensuring they receive perks on par with state civil servants, particularly year-end bonuses.

“I will try my best to fight for you under MA63. While those in the Sarawak Civil Service receive several months of bonuses, you (public healthcare workers) receive only RM700,” he said at the SGH appreciation dinner and Kuching Angels Region celebration at a hotel here on Saturday.

The autonomy would allow the state government to manage its own healthcare system, with the aim of improving funding, staffing and facilities to address structural shortages.

The recognition was also earned through SGH’s Diamond Status achievement in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Angels Awards, as well as the Kuching Health Office’s community stroke awareness efforts — the FAST Heroes programme — which reached 1,530 children in Kuching.

Dr Sim, who is Public Health, Housing and Local Government MInister said the 100 Angels Regions initiative is a strategy under the Angels Initiative — a stroke-care improvement programme launched by German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim with WSO and European Stroke Organisation.

“It’s a strategic mission to designate 100 regions worldwide as Angels Regions — areas where stroke care is optimised across the continuum, from public awareness to emergency response and acute hospital treatment.

“The initiative seeks to achieve this by December 2027 through coordinated action at regional levels,” he stated.

Dr Sim noted that Kuching is the second in Malaysia to be recognised as an Angels Region, after Taiping and ahead of Penang, making Malaysia one of only two countries in the Asia-Pacific with three Angels Regions.

The Bollywood Night-themed dinner was attended by over 900 staff members working at SGH’s complex. It also saw the presentation of the Quality and Infection Control Awards, Public Appreciation and Recognition Awards, Occupational Safety and Health Awards, and Special Awards to several recipients.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who also attended, said the Angels Region Award recognition shows that Kuching is on the right track in raising public awareness, providing swift emergency response and maintaining hospitals to international standards.

“This recognition belongs to the many dedicated people behind it,” he remarked.

Wee further affirmed that efforts in Kuching will continue to strengthen partnerships, invest in better healthcare systems, and support initiatives that safeguard lives.

Also present were Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah, SGH’s director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia head of medicine Dr Jamal Malik and other distinguished guests.