SIBU: The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong and Sibu Jaya branches have proposed that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government consider granting a special allowance to all doctors serving in Sarawak, regardless of whether they are from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawakians themselves.
SUPP Dudong Branch vice chairman, Dr Wong Chya Wei said the proposal was submitted following concerns over the decision by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to withdraw or stop allowances for medical personnel stationed in Sabah and Sarawak.
According to him, granting a special allowance by the state government can not only help ease the financial burden of doctors, but also be a form of appreciation to all medical personnel serving in Sarawak, including Sarawakians who have returned to serve their own state.
“We propose that the state government consider granting a special allowance to all doctors serving in Sarawak, not only to doctors from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, but also to Sarawakians who have returned to serve the people of Sarawak,” he said at a press conference during the ‘Kopitiam Talk, Mobile Service 2U’ programme organised by the SUPP Dudong branch at Farley Cafe, Jalan Salim here yesterday (Dec 28).
Dr Wong said that medical personnel in Sarawak face unique challenges including geographical factors, limited infrastructure, higher cost of living in certain areas and shortage of manpower, especially in rural healthcare and clinics.
He also gave the example of the situation at Sibu Hospital which currently has over 300 doctors in various specialties, with about three-quarters of the specialists coming from Peninsular Malaysia, while almost 60 per cent of the medical officers come from outside Sarawak.
“If this group of doctors decides to leave Sarawak because they feel their services are no longer appreciated, the impact on local health services will be huge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Wong stressed that health personnel are the backbone of the public health system and their welfare should be given priority, especially at a time when the country’s health system is facing pressure.
He hoped that the state government could play a proactive role by introducing fair and sustainable incentives to ensure that Sarawak continues to be able to attract and retain quality medical personnel for the well-being of the people.
SUPP Dudong and Sibu Jaya branches, he said, will continue to support efforts to fight for the welfare of medical workers and call for relevant policies to be made based on justice, current reality and appreciation for their sacrifices.
The programme, which offers services for applying for government assistance, complaints and government-related matters, is led by SUPP Dudong Branch Chairman, Cr Wong Ching Yong.
