Sabah doctors shortage reaches 'breaking point', says MMA

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in Sabah has warned that the shortage of medical doctors in the state is reaching a critical point. Chairperson Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang stated that out of 138 medical officers expected to report for hospital postings from outside Sabah, only 47 had done so at the time of the figures' compilation.

This represents approximately 34 per cent of the expected medical officers. The statement did not include doctors assigned to district health offices or government health clinics, which the MMA does not have data for. Dr Brandon explained that this shortage has led to existing medical officers being required to handle calls every other day, as there are not enough doctors to staff the roster.

He emphasized that this situation is unsustainable and that continuously asking the remaining doctors to work more is not a viable solution. Dr Brandon highlighted that the loss of doctors without adequate replacements increases the workload, frequency of calls, and responsibility for the remaining colleagues, creating a vicious cycle of understaffing, exhaustion, burnout, and further attrition.

He also noted that the consequences for patients would be longer waiting times, delayed treatment, and reduced capacity to provide safe services. The Sabah MMA fully supports Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan's call for urgent measures to strengthen incentives, improve working and living conditions, and address the growing challenge of attracting and retaining doctors in Sabah and Sarawak.