KOTA KINABALU: The initiative under Budget 2027 to offer 13,000 contract doctors permanent posts will strengthen the health sector, says Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s health bureau chairman Dr Davina Markus.
She said retaining more doctors in public service will not only relieve healthcare workers but also speed up treatment, reduce hospital overcrowding, and improve ward facilities.
“Starting next year, doctors who complete their postgraduate training will also continue to be offered permanent positions as Medical Officers.
“I am happy for them because I have been through medical studies and understand the long and challenging journey to become a doctor.
“After years of studying, undergoing postgraduate training and serving, they deserve career certainty to plan their future," she said on the Budget that 4,000 contract doctors will be absorbed into permanent positions this year while more than 9,000 are expected to receive offers next year.
"To young doctors, congratulations on this good news. May it be a motivation to continue providing the best service to the community,” she said, adding that the move would help efforts to strengthen public health facilities.
Dr Darwin also welcomed the increase in incentive for Air Health Service personnel from RM30 to RM100.
"For Sabah, the air health service is very important because many residents in the interior still have to travel far to get treatment. Any effort to strengthen rural health services is very much welcomed," she said.
Dr Davina said early health screening assistance is also important to help eligible groups detect diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure before conditions become more serious.
The announcement to expand individual tax relief, including for post-natal care, care centres for parents and grandparents, purchase of sports shoes and certain expenses related to vaccination and pets, also gives families room to manage their expenses.
"My hope is that all these initiatives can be implemented effectively and the benefits are truly felt by the people, including those living deep in the interior of Sabah.
