KUCHING, July 4: The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has been a key player in advocating for reproductive health rights and played a crucial role in ensuring access to contraceptives in underserved communities.
However in 2021, the import license for the IPPF contraceptive commodities was revoked hence, making family planning services less accessible.
This is seen as a significant setback for the organization and the communities it supports.
“The policymakers and administrators do not use common logic. For years now, the IPPF has been donating RM 500,000 annually to ensure cheaper method.
“If the import license is not approved, then they should reimburse Sarawak,” said Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
As such, Dr Sim urges the Minister of Health to address the matter to ensure an uninterrupted access to contraceptives.
“The officers may not understand the real situation and policies hence, we to have a pragmatic policy in which we take in all considerations and how many people benefited from it.
“As much as we want to be proud that we do not need other people’s help but at the moment you have to find money if you don’t need these help and so I will bring it up to the Minister of Health and these are some of the ongoing frustration the people in Sarawak feel,” he added.
He said during the handing over ceremony between the Japanese Embassy and Sarawak Family Planning Association at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching here, today. – TVS
