By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 10: The sacrifices of private doctors in delivering quality healthcare services are not being fairly compensated, as consultation fees have remained unchanged for over four decades.
In a TVS news report, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the stagnant fee structure — in place since 1982 — continues to place financial strain on private practitioners, even as many remain committed to serving the community.
“Fees were set back in 1982 — yet what are the rates now? Doctors have spent years making sacrifices, studying diligently, and working tirelessly, but are still being paid as if it were 1982.
“I don’t think even our children today would accept pocket money equivalent to 1982 rates,” he said during the officiating ceremony of the 24-hour Valiant Medical Clinic in Pine Square, Batu Kawa today.
Dr Sim noted that rising healthcare costs are not driven by doctors’ fees, but by increasing operational expenses such as rent, electricity, water, and other utilities.
He warned that without fair remuneration, more doctors may choose to leave the public sector or seek employment abroad.
“Sometimes people ask: what’s the difference if healthcare is managed by the State versus the federal government? My answer is — under the State, we can make better decisions and offer better compensation,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, commended the government’s move to raise the minimum wage but emphasised that doctors’ fees must also be reviewed and cannot remain stuck at 1982 levels. — DayakDaily
