KOTA SAMARAHAN: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged that doctors be valued and shielded from unnecessary pressure.
He said medical professionals in Sarawak were already handling excessive workloads, warning that frustration and burnout will push them to seek better opportunities overseas.
He pointed out that the international market actively recruited Malaysian doctors and nurses, with strong demand in Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“Our medical standards are very high, which is why our professionals are wanted worldwide. But this also leaves us short of manpower at home, as they keep taking them and leaving us with nothing,
“If people offer a lot more money, but our place is nice, they may say, ‘I’m happy here even with less.’ You can go somewhere with high pay, but every day under pressure, you won’t be happy.
“The minimum that we do is to show our appreciation. Rather than creating frustration, we need to be positive so that they feel valued,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the handing over of echocardiology ultrasound system, ECG machines, vital signs monitors and defibrillators by Sarawak Heart Foundation at the Sarawak Heart Centre here today (Sept 30).
Dr Sim said the Health Ministry (MOH) had realised the scale of the shortage after visiting seven hospitals in Sarawak in July, which led to the identification of 11,000 new posts.
He added that from Oct 1, doctors nationwide were beginning to report for new permanent positions, including 650 medical officer posts allocated to Sarawak, though it remained uncertain how many would actually take up the offer.
“This is why if we don’t address the issue, we will be in big trouble. We cannot take it for granted.
“On paper, it looks good, but until the first of October, we don’t know how many will actually report.
“If today’s issues are not solved, in 15 years we will be in trouble. By then we may have the money, but where are we going to find the doctors?” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said during a recent visit to Bintulu Hospital, he found the facility operating with only 80 doctors compared with the required 150.
He warned that such shortages meant one doctor was effectively doing the job of two, risking burnout and compromising patient care.
He added that unless manpower gaps were filled, the healthcare system would continue to face serious long-term challenges.
