Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is moving to strengthen the State’s healthcare governance framework through a series of proposed legislative and administrative reforms, including amendments to the Public Health Ordinance, the adoption of the Federal Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951 (Act 371), and the possible establishment of a Sabah State Health Council.

The proposals were among key issues discussed during a health workshop organised by the State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Ministry at the Magellan, Sutera Harbour, recently.

The one-day workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, healthcare professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and legal stakeholders to gather input before the proposals are elevated to higher policymaking platforms, including the State Cabinet and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) technical committees.

State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the reforms are aimed at improving coordination and addressing gaps within Sabah’s healthcare system rather than shifting institutional authority.

“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,” she said when officiating the workshop.

Julita, who is also Matunggong Assemblywoman, said feedback and recommendations gathered during the session would be refined before being submitted to policymakers for further deliberation.

Among the issues raised were the status of proposed amendments to the Public Health Ordinance, the implementation of the Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951 in Sabah, and the formation of either a Sabah State Health Council or a Special Health Committee to strengthen policy coordination.

The workshop also discussed matters related to fluoridation and sewerage management, both of which have direct implications for public health and may require legislative review.

Julita said several proposals linked to the Public Health Ordinance are expected to be brought forward for discussions with relevant federal ministries and MA63 technical committees in the near future.

“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.

Among those attending the workshop were representatives from the State Health Department, Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Sabah Pharmaceutical Society, Malaysian Medical Association, Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights, the State Attorney General’s Office and other healthcare-related sectors.