Fix Sabah, Sarawak doctor shortage with better incentives, parliamentary committee tells MOH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health has urged the Health Ministry to reassess existing allowances and incentives to attract medical officers to work in Sabah and Sarawak. Young Syefura Othman, a member of the committee, expressed concern over medical officers' reluctance to take up posts in the two states, with some hospitals operating with only three medical officers.

She pointed out that some medical officers who are supposed to report for duty at various clinics and hospitals have failed to do so, indicating a lack of interest in serving in Sabah or Sarawak. According to Syefura, allowances and incentives are among the factors contributing to this issue, and the committee wants the ministry to review the existing schemes, considering fair and meaningful incentives.

Additionally, she emphasized that the network of hospitals, health clinics, dental clinics, and mobile services should be planned effectively to ensure appropriate treatment levels and proximity to people. Syefura also stressed that digitalization should lead to more efficient workflows, improved access to information, and better use of healthcare workers' time, supported by adequate information and communications technology infrastructure.