MA63: Clear Healthcare Roadmap Needed For Better Coordination, Delivery - Dr Sim

KUCHING, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Technical Committee needs to formulate a clear healthcare roadmap to ensure better coordination and effective progress monitoring.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the roadmap is necessary to address issues such as the shortage of healthcare personnel, which cannot be resolved immediately and requires five to 10 years of structured planning.

He said that to achieve better outcomes and coordination, all relevant parties and ministries should participate in formulating the roadmap. 

“Sarawak needs an additional 4,000 staff for Sarawak General Hospital, and that is impossible to achieve overnight. Perhaps we can start with 100 in the first year, followed by an increase in scholarships and more students pursuing nursing, physiotherapy, and medical studies. By the fifth year, maybe we can resolve half of the shortage.”

He said this to reporters after attending the presentation of Basic Medical Supplies at the Batu Kawa Health Clinic here today.

Dr Sim also said that by having a clear roadmap in place, future leaders can refer to it and continue the effort.

“We cannot keep meeting, talking and passing responsibility from one ministry to another. That is why we want MA63 to serve as a clear roadmap, which year and what can be handed over to Sarawak.

“Healthcare is complex. There is no easy solution. It is not just about money, but also about human resources,” he added.

-- BERNAMA