Sarawak’s deputy premier urges a clear MA63 healthcare roadmap for better coordination and to solve long-term staff shortages over 5-10 years.
KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Technical Committee must develop a clear healthcare roadmap to ensure better coordination and effective progress monitoring.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said this roadmap is needed to address issues like healthcare staff shortages, which require five to 10 years of structured planning.
He stated that all relevant parties and ministries should participate in formulating this plan for better outcomes.
“Sarawak needs an additional 4,000 staff for Sarawak General Hospital, and that is impossible to achieve overnight,” Dr Sim told reporters after an event at the Batu Kawa Health Clinic.
He suggested starting with 100 new staff in the first year, followed by increased scholarships for nursing, physiotherapy, and medical students.
Dr Sim said that by the fifth year, perhaps half of the shortage could be resolved.
He emphasised that a clear roadmap would allow future leaders to continue the effort.
“We cannot keep meeting, talking and passing responsibility from one ministry to another,” he added.
Dr Sim explained that MA63 should specify which year and what responsibilities 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 said.
