KUCHING: Sarawak is currently facing a shortage of over 2,000 doctors, putting immense pressure on the state’s rapidly growing healthcare system, revealed Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He stated that according to national standards, Sarawak should have at least 6,000 doctors.
However, the state only has about 4,000, many of whom are from Peninsular Malaysia.
“UNIMAS only produces around 150 medical graduates each year.
“Even if all of them choose to stay and serve in Sarawak, it would take more than a decade to fill the current gap, and that’s assuming none leave,” he explained.
Dr Sim shared these insights after attending the ‘Semurni Kasih Keluarga’ @LPPKN Sarawak 2025 programme at the LPPKN (Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara) Family Centre here today.
He also raised concerns over the “brain drain” phenomenon, where graduates from renowned private medical institutions in Malaysia, such as Monash University and Newcastle University, often choose to work overseas.
“Monash Malaysia graduates about 150 doctors a year, but half head to Australia.
“It’s the same story with Newcastle in Johor Bahru; 90 per cent leave for the UK.
“Even though their education is funded, many don’t return to serve in Malaysia,” he said.
Dr Sim pointed to the low wages in the public healthcare sector as a key reason behind this trend.
“It’s difficult to convince specialists to return and work for RM3,130 a month.
“Even offering RM30,000 wouldn’t match what they can earn abroad.
“If we don’t address this now, Sarawak will always be left behind,” he warned.
He urged the federal government to grant Sarawak autonomy in healthcare so the state can hire and manage its own medical workforce.
“We want the power to recruit our own doctors.
“Many apply to work in Sarawak but decline the offer because they prefer to stay in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
Dr Sim also encouraged Sarawakians working overseas to consider returning and contributing to the state.
“If you can’t come back full-time, at least come back to teach or offer temporary services. Sarawak is still your home,” he said.
On a related note, Dr Sim announced that the establishment of a Fudan Medical School campus in Sarawak, through collaboration with China, is expected to help address the healthcare manpower shortage.
“Fudan is ranked among the world’s top 30 medical schools and top three in China, and it’s recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council.
“This is a huge opportunity for us to train more local doctors,” he said.
