KUCHING: Sarawak is currently facing a critical shortage of medical professionals, with an estimated deficit of at least 2,000 doctors.
Speaking to reporters today at the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month event at Sarawak General Hospital, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that the number of medical personnel in the state remains alarmingly low due to national-level standards that do not reflect Sarawak’s unique healthcare needs.
“For Sarawak’s population, we are short of another 2,000 doctors. UNIMAS only produces around 150 doctors a year, and not all of them are Sarawakians,” he said.
“Even if you do the math,150 a year for 10 years, that’s only 1,500 doctors, and this doesn’t account for retirements.”
Dr Sim also expressed deep appreciation for the dedication shown by doctors and nurses currently serving in Sarawak, many of whom take on heavier workloads to cover the shortfall.
He noted that healthcare workers in Malaysia often go above and beyond their duties due to these gaps in the system.
He revealed that the Sarawak Health Department had recently shared with him that 861 Sarawakian nurses and medical assistants currently serving in Malaya have expressed their desire to return home.
Seizing the opportunity, Dr Sim brought the matter to the attention of the federal health ministry, resulting in the formation of a task force led by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni to facilitate the relocation process.
“It’s not just about allowing 861 to return,” Dr Sim cautioned.
“We also have to think about who will replace them over there. It’s a domino effect that requires careful planning.”
According to Dr Sim, a significant number of medical professionals at Sarawak General Hospital are from West Malaysia.
If many were to return to their home states at the same time, it could further strain Sarawak’s already overstretched healthcare system.
“We love and appreciate all our healthcare workers, including those from West Malaysia,” he said.
“But if we don’t plan properly and act decisively, the system could collapse.”
Dr Sim also stressed the importance of building more hospital beds and improving healthcare infrastructure to support both medical personnel and patients.
“We’re not just short of doctors; we’re also short of about 2,000 beds,” he said, adding, “We need to fight for the patients — always.”
