MMA: 63pc MO reporting rate in Sabah, Sarawak may not reflect ground staffing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for greater transparency over the placement of medical officers (MOs) in Sabah and Sarawak, questioning whether the reporting rate has translated into more doctors on the ground.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised concerns about the 63% reporting rate of medical officers (MOs) in Sabah and Sarawak, questioning if this reflects an actual increase in doctors on the ground. MMA president Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan noted that while the Health Minister announced about 63% of MOs had reported for duty, feedback suggested this might not accurately represent the staffing situation.
Several hospital departments reportedly face a net reduction in MOs, and some doctors are working more on-call shifts. Dr Letchumanan questioned if the reported placements have actually translated into more doctors serving in areas needing them most. He called for clarification on whether the figures included Sabah-born doctors and MOs from Peninsular Malaysia who chose to stay.
Dr Letchumanan also requested a detailed breakdown of MOs who reported for duty following their appointments, data on MOs who left Sabah for the peninsula, and vice versa. He emphasized the need for a national healthcare workforce distribution dashboard to identify shortages and improve resource allocation. Dr Letchumanan stressed that progress should be measured by whether healthcare facilities have sufficient manpower for quality care, not just by the number of doctors reporting.
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