11 measures proposed to strengthen healthcare workforce in Sabah, Sarawak

GEORGE TOWN: Eleven immediate measures have been proposed to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Sabah and Sarawak, including better incentives, career pathways and family support.

Senator Dr R. A. Lingeshwaran said the proposals were aimed at making postings in the two states fairer, more attractive and sustainable for healthcare professionals.

The proposed measures include a clear 24-month standard service period.

Doctors with satisfactory performance could then apply for transfers, specialist training or their next placement.

Lingeshwaran also called for priority pathways to specialist training for doctors who complete their required service in Sabah and Sarawak while meeting prescribed key performance indicators.

Other proposals include restoring the Regional Incentive Payment (Bayaran Insentif Wilayah) based on a percentage of salary instead of a fixed rate.

A rural and remote posting hardship allowance of at least RM1,000 a month was also proposed.

The package also calls for suitable accommodation for officers before they report for duty.

Government quarters or housing allowances should reflect actual rental rates where quarters are unavailable, he said.

The Health Ministry should provide advance payments for approved relocation expenses, including air tickets, excess baggage and transportation.

This would prevent newly posted doctors from having to bear thousands of ringgit in upfront costs, he said.

For officers serving a 24-month term, the government should also consider periodic return airfares to Peninsular Malaysia, such as once every six months, subject to established terms and conditions.

Lingeshwaran said service in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in rural and remote areas, should receive additional recognition in specialist training applications, scholarships, promotions and subsequent placement preferences.

He also proposed a retention incentive for doctors who continue serving beyond the initial 24-month period.

However, he stressed that financial incentives alone would not resolve workforce shortages.

The Health Ministry would also need to ensure reasonable doctor-patient ratios, manageable on-call duties, access to annual leave and adequate replacement staff.

Family support should include assistance with school placement, healthcare access, transportation, accommodation and other essential living facilities.

The proposals should also extend beyond doctors to nurses, pharmacists, dental officers, allied health professionals and other critical healthcare personnel, he added.

"The shortage of doctors cannot be addressed in isolation. The entire healthcare team must be adequately staffed," he said in a statement made available to Media Prima.

Lingeshwaran said the government could also introduce an interim package within three months.

It would cover the 24-month service period, salary-based Regional Incentive Payment (BIW), RM1,000 rural hardship allowance, proper accommodation, relocation costs, return airfares and a clear career pathway.

"This approach is not simply about compelling doctors to report for duty.

"It is about making service in Sabah and Sarawak fairer, more attractive and sustainable for healthcare professionals," he added.

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health wants the Health Ministry to review existing allowances and incentives to encourage medical officers to serve in Sabah and Sarawak.

Special Select Committee on Health member Young Syefura Othman said the refusal of medical officers to take up postings in the two states was a serious concern.

She said some hospitals were operating with as few as three medical officers.