By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 23: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dudong Branch chairman Wong Ching Yong has urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) to conduct a thorough investigation into the severe shortage of anesthesiology and intensive care medical officers at Sibu Hospital.
Referring to a CodeBlue report published on Feb 21, Wong highlighted that in 2022, Sibu Hospital had 40 medical officers in its anesthesiology and intensive care units.
However, the number has since dropped drastically to 22, with six more doctors expected to leave for further training soon.
The consequences of this shortage include delays in ICU and Peripheral Unit Management, severe threats to surgical and anesthesia safety, longer surgery waiting times and increased patient suffering, and overworked healthcare staff.
Wong pointed out that complaints submitted to CodeBlue indicate multiple reports and suggestions had been raised with hospital management and relevant authorities, yet no effective action has been taken.
“What’s even more alarming is that, according to a medical-related social media page, after this issue was exposed, a high-ranking official from Sibu Hospital’s top management not only failed to address the concerns but allegedly pressured his subordinates further.
“He was reportedly displeased with them for speaking out and issued what appeared to be threatening instructions,” Wong claimed in a statement today.
He further urged authorities to investigate the matter and determine whether the message truly originated from the individual in question.
“If so, his unprofessional and irresponsible management approach severely undermines the rights of medical staff and further deteriorates the hospital’s service quality,” he added.
Wong reiterated that the doctor shortage crisis at Sibu Hospital not only affects medical staff but also endangers the lives of countless patients.
He also noted that similar staffing shortages extend beyond anesthesiology and critical care to other hospital departments.
“The federal MOH, particularly the Minister, must take swift and decisive action to ensure a safe and fair working environment for medical personnel while restoring public confidence in healthcare services.
“Only through systemic reforms and accountability can we rebuild trust in public healthcare and prevent avoidable tragedies,” he emphasised.
Additionally, Wong stressed that Sarawak’s recurring doctor shortage underscores the urgent need for greater medical autonomy in the State.
In this regard, he voiced strong support for Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s proposal to establish a Sarawak Medical Council, which would allow the State to independently manage its public healthcare workforce and address the ongoing crisis more effectively.
“For example, many specialists from Taiwan are unable to practice in Malaysia because their **postgraduate qualifications are not recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council.
“If Sarawak had its own medical council, we could assess and approve their qualifications, allowing a large number of medical professionals to serve in our government hospitals immediately,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
