KOTA KINABALU: The situation where certain newly appointed medical officers fail to report for duty in Sabah and Sarawak transcends a simple doctor shortage—it represents a critical warning signal about the persistent development disparity affecting these regions.
Datak Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan, President of STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku), emphasizes that fundamental infrastructure limitations and living expenses significantly influence public sector professionals’ willingness to serve, particularly in rural and remote communities.
According to preliminary findings, zero newly appointed medical officers reported to Hospital Keningau, Beluran, and Sipitang in Sabah, as well as Hospital Kanowit in Sarawak, while several other facilities documented no-show rates ranging from 70 to 76 percent.
However, he notes that Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (KKM) has clarified that the reporting process continues until October 7, therefore these figures require verification.
“The fundamental question becomes: why does placement in Sabah and Sarawak remain unattractive despite offering permanent employment?
“If these circumstances discourage physicians from serving for several years, we must ask ourselves: how do local residents manage living under these identical conditions for decades?” he stated.
Jeffrey argues that physicians deserve fair consideration, as their decision to not report likely stems from relocation expenses, family separation, workload pressures, inadequate infrastructure, and uncertain posting durations.
He emphasizes that physician shortages directly harm citizens by extending medical treatment waiting periods.
