By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 2: Sarawak will hold discussions with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to seek a comprehensive solution to the State’s medical workforce challenges, including seeking approval to recruit doctors directly to help address its medical workforce needs.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, the move was among the approaches that should be explored to enable Sarawak to secure the medical personnel it requires.
He added that the outcome of the discussions would help Sarawak identify its actual needs before related proposals are submitted for consideration and further action.
“I will make an appointment with the health minister later, and we will discuss and examine this policy issue comprehensively, including permission for us to employ doctors, rather than focusing solely on the issue of payments.
“This is because payment is only one part of the overall challenge, which also includes aspects such as postgraduate training opportunities and others,” he said when met by reporters during the launch of the Padawan Discovery Festival at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall here today.
According to Dr Sim, the issue cannot be resolved through a financial approach alone, as it also involves policies and career development opportunities for doctors. — DayakDaily
