Recruit foreign doctors to address East Malaysia shortage, says MP

Dr Kelvin Yii, an MP from Bandar Kuching, has proposed recruiting foreign doctors, specifically those trained in Malaysia, as a temporary solution to address the healthcare worker shortage in Sabah and Sarawak. Yii cautioned that this approach should not replace efforts to improve salaries and career prospects for Malaysian doctors.

He highlighted the significant increase in no-show rates for permanent postings in the region, from 2% in 2022 to 66% in the current month. MMA data revealed that 70% to 76% of medical officers assigned to permanent positions failed to report for duty on September 28, 2023. Yii pointed out that the official no-show figures may not accurately represent the situation, as doctors who do not comply with postings may not be recorded as resigning.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to review its incentive scheme and revert to percentage-based regional payments for doctors posted in East Malaysia. Yii suggested restoring progressive regional incentive payments and paying relocation assistance upfront. He also called for the establishment of a health service commission to determine remuneration independently from the broader civil service scheme.

Yii emphasized the need for bonuses and incentives for healthcare workers serving in Sabah and Sarawak, noting that the Sept 8 helicopter crash in Ulu Baram, which killed five from the Flying Doctor Service, raises concerns about maintenance procedures and the effectiveness of the health ministry's audits.