KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government needs to address Sabah’s pressing healthcare challenges, says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The Deputy Chief Minister II said critical issues, including overcrowded clinics, a lack of essential services and a growing “brain drain” of medical professionals, have to be addressed.
“Increasing demand for healthcare, coupled with an overburdened workforce, has left our healthcare system facing unprecedented challenges.
“Public clinics are in deplorable conditions and many essential services remain unavailable in Sabah.
“For instance, children with congenital heart disorders still need to be flown to Kuala Lumpur for surgery,” he said in his speech at the Malaysian Medical Association Sabah branch annual dinner here on Saturday.
Dr Joachim said there is an urgent need for better medical facilities and more doctors and specialists in the state.
“It is the state government’s hope that the Federal Government can urgently look into these matters,” he said.
