by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 22: Assistant medical officers (PPPs) can play a vital role in addressing healthcare shortages in Sarawak, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Speaking at the 14th Assistant Medical Officer Day celebration at the Sarawak Heart Centre today, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised the critical role played by assistant medical officers in addressing the shortage of doctors in the region.
“About 50 per cent of healthcare facilities in Sarawak are facing a shortage of doctors. As I mentioned, according to national standards, Sarawak needs at least 54 per cent of doctors, which is nearly 2,000 doctors,” he said, as reported by TVS.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim said he hopes the appointment of assistant medical officers to permanent positions would be prioritised in Sarawak as there are 203 vacancies that need to be filled urgently.
He said this following a recent meeting with the Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni who is responsible for identifying positions and vacancies that need to be filled.
According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, 774 contract-appointed assistant medical officers in phases six and seven will be offered permanent positions as early as next month.
In addition to the shortage of doctors, Dr Sim also explained that Sarawak is facing a shortage of 2,000 beds.
Also present were Sarawak State Health Department director, Dr Veronica Lugah, Sarawak Heart Centre Hospital director Dr Mohd Asri Ripin, and Sarawak chief assistant medical officer Samsuri Md Isa. – DayakDaily
