KOTA KINABALU: Hundreds of social media users welcomed a duo of doctors who reported for duty at Hospital Keningau as Sabah grapples with low medical officer turnout rates.
A social media post from an unofficial hospital page marking the arrival of Dr Nur Liyana Syairah Rosli and Dr Muhammad Zuhaili Ziauddin, believed to be from Peninsular Malaysia, on Monday (Oct 5) drew hundreds of welcoming and grateful messages.
Wilson William offered to help them both find rental homes, move or anything to ease their arrival.
“Hopefully us Sabahans can help these doctors who come to serve here where we can,” he said.
Shafieza Aleesya thanked the pair for their willingness to be stationed in Sabah, saying that their services were much needed while Muhd Khairullah Muhamad called them unsung heroes.
Neslly J. Majalim thanked them for serving at Hospital Keningau, about 90 minutes from here, while Surizah Jasni congratulated them and thanked the duo for wanting to serve there.
“A thousand thanks to these two doctors for their willingness to serve at the Keningau Hospital for Keningau folks,” said Zanariah Wan Muhammad.
Another with the username Chrsty Brnd thanked the doctors and reminded the public of the severe doctors’ shortage in Sabah, and advised them to be patient when they have to wait longer to see a doctor.
These gestures are to show the public’s gratitude and appreciation to those who are willing to leave the comfort of their homes to come serve in the rural and interior districts of Sabah.
It was reported last Saturday that at least 200 doctors have left their service at hospitals in Sabah after securing permanent positions.
While the Health Ministry had allocated permanent posting slots in Sabah to replace these outgoing doctors, only about 40% of those postings have been accepted as of the end of September.
The ministry had urged medical officers appointed under the second phase of permanent appointments to report for duty by Wednesday.
