Recruit foreign doctors to address East Malaysia shortage, says MP
DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii says this can be a short-term measure while the government works to improve doctors’ pay and career prospects.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has called on the government to recruit foreign doctors, specifically those with Malaysian medical degrees, as a temporary solution to tackle the shortage of healthcare professionals in East Malaysia. While acknowledging the need to improve salaries and career prospects for Malaysian doctors, Yii expressed concern over the rising proportion of doctors failing to report for permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak.
The issue has worsened dramatically, with reports indicating that the rate of no-shows has jumped from 2% in 2022 to 66% in the current month. Yii highlighted hospitals like Beluran Hospital, which now has only six doctors, and Kudat Hospital, where only four out of the 17 posted doctors showed up. He questioned whether the official no-show figures truly reflect the gravity of the situation, as doctors who do not comply with postings might not be correctly recorded as resigning.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to review the incentive scheme and revert to percentage-based regional incentive payments for doctors serving in East Malaysia. Yii proposed restoring progressive regional incentive payment rates and providing upfront relocation assistance. He also called for the creation of a health service commission to independently determine remuneration.
Yii emphasized the need for bonuses and incentives from the Sabah and Sarawak governments for healthcare workers serving in their respective states.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Recruit foreign doctors to address East Malaysia shortage, says MP freemalaysiatoday.com
