KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s healthcare system is facing growing understaffing amid rising demand for service, said Datuk Julita Majungki (pic).
The Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister said that based on data from the Sabah Health Department, only 2,884 doctors are currently serving in the state compared to an estimated requirement of about 9,000, reflecting a major challenge for public healthcare demands.
She said the shortfall reflects deeper systemic issues, including declining interest in the medical profession and difficulties retaining doctors in the state.
She pointed to a national trend revealed by the Health Ministry, noting that only 10% of 5,000 new doctor placement slots were taken up earlier this year.
“This signals a shrinking pipeline of future doctors, which will further strain our healthcare system if not addressed,” she said when officiating the Doctors’ Rights and Responsibilities seminar organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) at the Sabah International Convention Centre here on Saturday (April 11).
Julita said the shortage is already impacting service delivery in Sabah, with doctors facing heavier workloads and often serving in remote areas with limited resources.
“Doctors are not only treating patients but also managing constraints in infrastructure and manpower. Despite this, many continue to serve with strong commitment, especially in rural areas,” she said, adding that there are also gaps in healthcare infrastructure that need repairs and expansion.
“It cannot be denied that Sabah has lagged behind in terms of healthcare infrastructure. Some of our clinics and hospitals need upgrading, and in certain areas, even basic access remains a challenge,” she said.
Julita said the state government has also raised Sabah’s healthcare priorities directly with MoH, including requests for increased funding to expedite infrastructure development and improve services.
Julita also said it was important to improve incentives and overall support for doctors, particularly those serving in rural areas.
“I would like to reiterate the need for the federal government to review the Regional Incentive Payment (BIW) and consider restoring it to its original form.
“This should be complemented by improved cost-of-living allowances for doctors working in rural and resource-limited settings, as it is important for morale and retention, especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” she added.
Also present were MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, Sabah branch chairman Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang, as well as former Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, who was also one of the speakers at the seminar.
