PETALING JAYA: While some doctors have turned down offers to serve in certain locations, especially Sabah and Sarawak, others have answered the call of duty.
Dr Jay (name changed), who will be posted to Sarawak after being granted a permanent position, said although it is difficult to move there because she had elderly parents to care for, she decided to accept the offer.
“There is an understanding that if you serve in Sabah and Sarawak, you will be considered for a permanent position.
“Besides this consideration, I treat it as a call of duty as we must serve pockets of society that are under-served.
“I think it is a bit irresponsible if doctors turn down these offers simply because they do not want to serve at a certain place – but if they have valid reasons that can be justified, such as care giving responsibilities, then it is acceptable,” she said.
Dr Timothy Cheng, an orthopaedic surgeon who has been serving in Sabah since 2012, said it did not take him long to adapt, adding that he loved the environment there.
“I have no regrets. It is a privilege to be able to serve the people of Borneo. My advice will be to just go wherever you are posted,” he said.
However, he added that the weakness of the relocation system must be addressed.
“The system is unfair as it does not allow claims for cargo and travel. This is the main issue,” he said.
According to letters from the ministry’s human resources department sighted by Sunday Star, contract staff being absorbed into permanent positions will not be eligible for relocation claims as their services will “cut off”, since they will be transitioning from contract to permanent positions.
This resulted in many healthcare workers – who will have to report for duty at their new place of work by July 31 – having to fund their relocation out of their own pockets.
Another doctor, who declined to be named, said the distribution of doctors across the country is unequal.
“There are many places in the country where there are not enough healthcare professionals, including doctors.
“So it is very upsetting when news surfaces of doctors not wanting to serve in places far from their current place of practice,” he said.
The doctor also said the needs of the nation are significant and should be taken into account.
“If everyone does not want to move, who will serve the people in these less popular areas? How are people there going to receive medical treatment?” he added.
However, he said the responsibility does not fall solely on the doctors, as there must also be efforts by the government to ensure certain benefits are provided to entice them to take up the offer.
“Each facility should have autonomy to hire their own staff with a higher salary scale in less popular areas,” he said.
The Star had previously reported that at least 700 medical officers were applying to remain in the Klang Valley.
On July 18, it was reported that more than 200 doctors failed to report for work, or rejected contract positions, to serve in Sarawak.
The Malaysian Medical Association said doctors posted to Sarawak should report for duty first, after which they could appeal for their preferred placement.
