High 'no-show' rate among doctors for Sabah, Sarawak postings deeply concerning, says MMA
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised concerns over high 'no-show' rates among medical officers assigned to permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak. The association argues that poor working conditions and lack of retention incentives are driving doctors away from these regions.
Why it matters
Workforce shortages in healthcare impact patient access and the overall stability of the public health system in East Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over reports of high "no-show" rates among medical officers assigned to permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak.
The medical body urged the government to take action by reverting to a percentage-based allowance and introducing incentives to attract and retain healthcare workers in East Malaysia.
MMA President Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan pointed to reports which said that a number of medical officers failed to report for their permanent postings on Sept 28.
"Some facilities reportedly received no new medical officers, while others recorded no-show rates of between 70% and 76%," Dr Sivanaesan said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 1). He called on authorities to verify and make the official figures public.
He said that the recent trend of contract medical officers declining these offers serves as a warning that conditions in East Malaysia are deterring healthcare professionals.
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