KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking steps to strengthen its healthcare governance and autonomy through a review of current laws.
Sabah’s Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the state intends to review the Public Health Ordinance (PHO), adopt the Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951 (Act 371), and establish a state health advisory council.
These issues were the main areas discussed during a Health Workshop organised by the ministry, which brought together various government agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and healthcare stakeholders here.
Julita said 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 (MA63).
According to her, the “team government” approach must serve as the foundation for 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 ensure that areas still requiring improvement can be addressed collectively as one team,” she said at the workshop held on Wednesday.
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 well-being.
She added 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.
