BINTULU — Sarawak is facing a critical shortage of health staff, with more than 11,000 new posts needed to support the operations of seven major hospitals in the state.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the issue came to light after a visit by a special team from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) in July. The team inspected several hospitals including Bintulu Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital, Kapit Hospital, Sibu Hospital and the Sarawak Kidney Centre, and found a worrying number of vacancies.
“At Bintulu Hospital alone, there are 150 approved posts but only 80 staff are working. This means 70 positions are still vacant, causing a heavier workload for doctors and nurses,” Dr Sim said during his visit to Bintulu Hospital on Monday.
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, explained that the shortage has persisted since 2011, when the bed capacity at Sarawak Heart Centre increased from 30 to 160, but staffing numbers were not raised accordingly.
He added that the matter now requires a coordinated plan between KKM, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economy to secure funds and hire new staff.
“One of the reasons many doctors prefer working in Peninsular Malaysia is because Sarawak does not have proper relocation facilities, especially for contract officers. Without this support, many decline to serve here,” he said.
Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak should be given authority to recruit doctors directly, similar to the state’s power in recruiting teachers. “As long as recruitment power stays in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak will continue to face staff shortages,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Dr Sim praised the dedication of health workers who continue to serve the people. Earlier, he distributed food aid to Bintulu Hospital staff representatives before visiting the Emergency Ward to meet with medical personnel.
Also present were Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming, and the political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Angellie Stephen Raja. — UKAS EDITION
