Dr Sim: Greater healthcare autonomy vital to ease Sarawak’s system strain
by Aileen Yap · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (April 9): Sarawak’s push for greater healthcare autonomy is crucial to tackling mounting pressure on its healthcare system caused by manpower shortages and rising demand for services, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said greater control over healthcare planning would enable Sarawak to better address staffing and infrastructure challenges.
He said the state is already preparing its Public Health Master Plan 2050, which will take into account disease burden, equipment needs, costs and manpower requirements.
“Health autonomy is a political decision — whether the federal government wants to give it or not.
“Once we have autonomy, we can plan ahead. We will know how much funding is needed, what must be done, and the resources required, especially human resources,” he said at the launch of the 2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
Dr Sim, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said Sarawak’s healthcare system is under significant strain due to staff shortages and increasing patient demand.
He noted that only 528 out of 5,000 medical officer positions nationwide have been filled, leaving more than 4,000 vacancies.
He added that the situation is further compounded by competition from the rapidly expanding private healthcare sector, particularly in Kuching.
“In Kuching alone, more than 1,000 new private hospital beds will soon be available, almost matching the capacity of government hospitals, yet we are still facing a shortage of staff,” he said.
Citing SGH as an example, Dr Sim said the 1,000-bed hospital currently has about 4,500 staff, well below the recommended 5,500 for a facility of its size.
“SGH is under-resourced. Every day, people message me asking for help to get a bed from the emergency department,” he said.
On colorectal cancer, Dr Sim shared that the disease is a deeply personal issue, having lost his mother to it last year.
“Despite undergoing colonoscopies every three years, she was diagnosed with Stage 2B colorectal cancer after prolonged bleeding.
“She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, oral treatment and radiotherapy, but relapsed eight months later.
“So sometimes, even when we are vigilant, it can still be tough,” he said.
He said his family’s experience underscores the importance of continuous public awareness, early screening and timely treatment.
Dr Sim urged Sarawakians not to treat colorectal cancer awareness as a once-a-year campaign, but as an ongoing public health priority.