Putrajaya allocates RM2.761 bln to Sarawak Health Dept as of April 30

The four sub-committees formed to oversee the negotiations on Sarawak's healthcare autonomy under MA63.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) has received RM2.32 billion operating funds and RM441.62 million development funds from the Federal Ministry of Health (MOH) as of April 30 this year.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said these funds were allocated for the operational expenses, human capital development, minor upgrading as well as repair on health facilities, hospital and clinic support services including procurement of medical equipment.

“As of 30th April 2024, there are 26,633 government healthcare personnel including 2,252 on a contract basis serving in Sarawak against 27,784 approved posts,” he said when presenting his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.

Dr Sim further said that the first joint technical committee on Sarawak’s health autonomy under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) had been held on Jan 12 and co-chaired by Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and himself.

“Following the said meeting, four sub-committees have been formed to discuss further affairs related to Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta (CKAPS) (Akta 586), Food Act 1983, Human Resources, and Finance and Development.

“These four sub-committees will continue to discuss further decentralisation matters and issues for consideration by MA63 Implementation Action Council’s Technical Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof later this month,” he added. — DayakDaily