KUCHING, April 11 -- The federal government should consider channelling all annual health allocations directly to the Sarawak government through the Health Department, said state Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Dr Sim, who is the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said this would empower Sarawak to better manage its own healthcare system and address critical shortages, including manpower and infrastructure.

"We want the main power to be given to the Sarawak government through our own Health Department," he told reporters after launching Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Day Care Centre here today.

According to him, greater health autonomy is crucial for Sarawak's...