Kota Kinabalu: Reports of newly posted medical officers failing to report for duty in several hospitals in Sabah and Sarawak reflect deeper development problems in the two states, said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan.
He said the issue went beyond the shortage of doctors and highlighted longstanding problems involving inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding and a lack of sustained attention to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.
Jeffrey said early reports indicated that no newly posted medical officers had reported at Keningau, Beluran and Sipitang hospitals in Sabah and Kanowit Hospital in Sarawak, while some other facilities recorded non-reporting rates of between 70 and 76 per cent.
He noted that the Health Ministry had clarified that the reporting process remained ongoing until Oct 7.
“The fundamental question is why postings in parts of Sabah and Sarawak remain unattractive despite the opportunity of permanent employment?” he asked.
Jeffrey said poor roads, unreliable water supply, electricity disruptions, limited internet connectivity, inadequate accommodation and difficult transport connections affected not only healthcare delivery but also the daily lives of people working and living in rural and interior areas.
He said such conditions could discourage doctors, teachers and other public servants from accepting or remaining in postings in remote areas.
“Financial incentives matter, but allowances alone cannot compensate for persistent deficiencies in basic infrastructure and living conditions,” he said.
Jeffrey said the Federal and State Governments must acknowledge their respective responsibilities and take urgent steps to address the longstanding development gaps.
On Sabah’s development rights, Jeffrey called for a comprehensive review of national development priorities and resource distribution, including full implementation of Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement under Article 112C read together with Section 2(1) of Part IV of the Tenth Schedule to the Federal Constitution.
Jeffrey also called for better financial and practical support for doctors and other public servants serving in challenging locations, including regional and hardship allowances that reflect the actual costs of their postings.
He said relocation assistance should adequately cover reasonable actual costs and be provided promptly, while suitable accommodation, support for eligible dependants and reasonable travel home should also be considered.
Within healthcare facilities, he said staffing shortages and heavy workloads must also be addressed to ensure existing staff were properly supported and patients received timely care.
