KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has outlined five key areas to enhance its healthcare autonomy, aiming for an agreement with the federal government by June.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, also Local Government and Housing Minister, said the State is pushing for greater control over health administration due to Sabah’s high incidence of infectious diseases and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Joachim attended a Sabah Health Development meeting under MA63 on Wednesday, joined by Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zulkefly Ahmad.
He highlighted Sabah’s lagging hospital facilities, a severe shortage of medical professionals, and the need for control over vaccination programmes and hospital development.
Logistical challenges, including the repatriation of deceased individuals between Sabah and other regions, further underscore the urgency of healthcare autonomy.
The State Government remains committed to strengthening healthcare governance, with negotiations set to continue in the coming months.