Sarawak continues the efforts of local health workers

PEDAN, Sept 13: Sarawak is always ready to assist the Federal Government in health matters if necessary including addressing issues of shortage of health workers in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that 18 per cent of health sector posts in Sarawak involving more than 5,000 jobs are still unfilled.

According to him, the issue of vacancy has been brought to the Department of Public Services (JPA) to find a solution to the health workforce needs in Sarawak.

"Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also raised this issue in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement meeting (MA63) including the need to establish a special task force for local labour recruitment.

"We need special staff to recruit local workers so we don't have to rely entirely on Kuala Lumpur", he said during a media briefing at Debra Moset's residence in Padawan, today.

Sim said the effort was also related to Sarawak's struggle for health autonomy, but the process is complex as it requires amendments to 41 laws.

In this regard, he said that Sarawak will continue to explore various approaches for achieving practical results first including enhancing the state's capacity in delivery of health services for the benefit of the people.