KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is closely monitoring the situation following reports of medical officers not reporting for their postings in the state.
Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said although the appointment and placement of medical officers fell under Federal jurisdiction, the state government had consistently raised concerns over the shortage of doctors.
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She said the state had also called for measures to improve recruitment and retention.
“I have previously raised the Regional Incentive Payment (BIW) issue as well as other proposals with the Health Minister during our discussions and relevant committee meetings.
“These matters are being followed up through ongoing discussions, and we will continue to engage with the federal government to see how these proposals can be progressed,” Julita said in a statement.
She agreed with the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) call to restore the previous percentage-based BIW, strengthen incentives for doctors serving in Sabah and Sarawak, and improve relocation assistance.
She said that the state government would await the full outcome of the latest postings before assessing the extent of the situation.
