KOTA KINABALU – Vector-borne disease expert and epidemiologist Dr Rose Nani has been named Sabah’s new health director, replacing Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, who has held the post since November 23, 2012.
Dr Rose’s appointment was announced by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on Facebook today, and took effect yesterday.
Dr Rose, who hails from Papar, was previously deputy director (infectious diseases) under the Health Ministry’s disease control unit, and also led the vector-borne disease sector.
“She is an expert medical consultant in public health, and has vast experience in the clinical and public health fields,” said Dr Noor Hisham.
He said Dr Rose previously served with the Putrajaya health office, Kuala Lumpur Health Department, Hulu Langat health office, Selangor Health Department, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, and Sg Koyan health centre in Raub, Pahang.
Dr Rundi is expected to be transferred to Putrajaya and hold an administrative post. It is still unconfirmed whether she has decided to take up the offer.
Speculation on the change in the post of state health director had been circulating since last week, with netizens questioning the move when Sabah is in the midst of its Covid-19 battle.
A source in the state Health Department said there is no urgency for Dr Rundi to be replaced.
“Dr Rundi has been fighting Covid-19 since the beginning and is already well-versed in the situation in Sabah. But having said so, she can’t go against her superior’s orders.
“If the change doesn’t result in improvements, I think it’s best for the health minister and Dr Noor Hisham to resign from their posts.” – The Vibes, July 14, 2021
