By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is currently refining several major healthcare sector reforms, including proposed amendments to the Public Health Ordinance (PHO), the adoption of the Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951 (Act 371), as well as the establishment of a state health advisory council to strengthen Sabah’s healthcare governance and autonomy.
These were among the key focus areas discussed during a Health Workshop organised by the Ministry of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Sabah (KWKKR), which brought together various government agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and healthcare stakeholders in Kota Kinabalu here.
Its Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the workshop was held to gather comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders before any proposals are brought to the State Cabinet and platforms related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
According to her, the “team government” approach must serve as the foundation in strengthening Sabah’s healthcare system without undermining the role of any existing agencies.
“We are not seeking to take over anyone’s responsibilities, but rather to ensure that areas still requiring improvement can be addressed collectively as one team.
“The views gathered today will be refined before being presented to policymakers, including the State Cabinet and relevant committees,” she said, when officiating the workshop at The Magellan, Sutera Harbour here.
Among the matters discussed were the status of the PHO amendments, the adoption of Act 371 in Sabah, and proposals to establish a Sabah State Health Council or Special Health Committee.
Julita said Sabah must also consider strengthening several aspects of public health legislation, including fluoridation and sewerage management issues, which have direct implications on public wellbeing.
She also informed that several proposals related to the PHO are expected to be brought for further discussions with ministries and MA63 technical committees in the near future before being finalised at a higher level.
“If we need to bring it to the Cabinet, we will do so. If certain enactments need to be passed in the State Legislative Assembly, we will proceed for the sake of Sabah’s interests,” she said.
The one-day workshop was also attended by the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS), Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), Sabah Pharmaceutical Society (SPS), Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR), the State Attorney General’s Office, as well as representatives from other healthcare sectors.
Julita delivering her officiating speech at the Health Workshop.
