KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking steps to strengthen its healthcare governance and autonomy through a review of current laws.
Women, Health and People's Wellbeing Sabah Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the state government intended to review the Public Health Ordinance (PHO), adopt the Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951 (Act 371) and establish a state health advisory council as part of the reforms.
These issues were the focus areas discussed during a health workshop organised by the ministry, which brought together various government agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and healthcare stakeholders here.
Julita said on Thursday (May 21) that the workshop was held to gather comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders before any proposals were brought to the state Cabinet and platforms related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
According to her, the team government approach must serve as the foundation in strengthening the Sabah 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 will be refined before being presented to policymakers, including the state Cabinet and relevant committees," she said at the workshop held on Wednesday (May 20).
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 had direct implications on public wellbeing.
She also said several proposals related to the PHO were expected to be brought for further discussions with ministries and 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, Local Government and Housing Ministry, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Sabah Pharmaceutical Society, Malaysian Medical Association, Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights, the state attorney general office, as well as representatives from other healthcare sectors.
