Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance proposes healthcare reforms to Deputy Premier

KUCHING (Nov 20): A coalition of health-focused civil society organisations (CSOs) under the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance recently presented their ideas for healthcare reform to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

In a press release, it was revealed the key recommendations from the alliance include devolving more health services to Sarawak and further decentralisation to district levels to facilitate community-based, collaborative primary care.

They also propose modernising the Village Health Promoter (VHP) scheme into a revitalised Sarawak Community Health Worker Programme to serve both rural and urban populations. This programme aims to promote healthy lifestyles and enable early detection of health issues.

Additional recommendations highlight the need to establish community health and social care hubs that offer integrated, accessible services tailored to local needs.

The alliance also emphasises addressing the social determinants of health, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and upgrading digital infrastructure for healthcare services.

According to the press release, Dr Sim welcomed the report, noting its alignment with the Sarawak State Government’s long-term vision for healthcare and its potential to inform the Sarawak Health Care Plan.

The public wishing to know more details of the report can listen to a Zoom panel discussion this Thursday (Nov 21) at 2.30pm hosted by the Sarawak Development Institute (register at https://tinyurl.com/yew9u8jw) or download it from https://bit.ly/healthswk.