Doctors posted to East M’sia have until Oct 7 to report for duty

The health ministry has sought to clarify reports that up to 76% of medical officers assigned to permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak failed to report for duty on Monday.

The ministry said the placement process began on Monday and is ongoing, with the assigned doctors given until Oct 7 to report for duty at their assigned facilities.

This involves 4,255 medical officers who received offers based on the ePlacement portal, it added.

“The health ministry urges all medical officers who have yet to report for duty to do so immediately.

“The officers involved are reminded to complete their self-reporting at their respective facilities before the given deadline of Oct 7,” it said in a statement.

The ministry also warned against drawing premature conclusions over the placement process.

Responding to reports on the doctor no-shows, the Malaysian Medical Association urged the ministry to review its incentives and revert to the percentage-based regional incentive payment (BIW) for doctors posted in East Malaysia.

MMA president Dr L Sivanaesan said the current fixed payment system for BIW had weakened the value of the incentives for those serving in Sabah and Sarawak.

He also proposed several other incentives to help ensure that medical officers report for duty, including a dedicated East Malaysia service allowance and fixed durations for postings.