KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming posting of 560 permanent medical officers to Sabah this October is a welcome move, but they must be retained in the state for the long term, says Sabah Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
“Recruitment is an important first step, but retention is equally critical. We must ensure that healthcare professionals who choose to serve in Sabah are supported and encouraged to build long-term careers here,” she said.
She added the additional permanent appointments would also help ease staffing shortages at healthcare facilities in the state.
Julita also called for the recruitment of more healthcare personnel to further improve access to quality medical services, particularly for communities in Sabah’s rural and remote areas.
She reiterated her earlier proposals to restore and strengthen incentive schemes for healthcare personnel serving in the state.
These include the Regional Incentive Payment, enhanced support for medical personnel serving in rural and remote districts, and the provision of a more conducive working environment for healthcare professionals.
She was responding to Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib’s announcement in Parliament that 560 permanent medical officers would be posted to Sabah beginning October.
