KOTA KINABALU: The failure of some newly posted medical officers to report for duty in Sabah and Sarawak highlights the infrastructure backwardness of the two states, which goes beyond healthcare staffing shortages, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said.
Noting that the Health Ministry says the reporting process began on Sept 28 and ends on Oct 7, Kitingan said the issue raises concerns over why postings in the two states remain unattractive despite offering permanent positions.
“Poor infrastructure, unreliable water and electricity supply, limited internet access, inadequate housing, high travel costs and family relocation challenges continue to deter healthcare workers and other civil servants from serving in rural and remote areas,: he said.
Kitingan said that both the Federal and state governments must address these underlying issues through better infrastructure, stronger support for frontline workers and fairer development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak.
The shortage of doctors has a direct impact on healthcare services that will lead to longer waiting times and increased pressure on existing staff, he said in a statement Sunday (Oct 4).
Kitingan said that both the Federal and state governments must address these underlying issues through better infrastructure, stronger support for frontline workers and fairer development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak.
He said that fulfilling Sabah's constitutional 40% revenue entitlement would strengthen the state's ability to improve infrastructure and public services, making it easier to attract and retain doctors, teachers and other civil servants.
“The doctor shortage should be viewed as a warning sign of wider development disparities that require urgent attention,” he said.
In Ranau on Saturday (Oct 3), Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that Sabah hopes Budget 2027 would focus on rural healthcare, the doctor issue, the state’s 40% revenue entitlement, and the shortage of doctors.
He said that the budget should address incentives for healthcare workers, especially given the current issue of alleged reluctance from peninsula doctors to take up permanent postings in Sabah.
“It is worrying for the healthcare services at many rural hospitals due to insufficient doctors,” he told reporters after an event at the MRSM Ranau.
Masidi said the federal government should also improve hospital infrastructure and facilities apart from providing accommodation for doctors and supporting services.
