Sabah short of 245 medical officers after replacements fail to turn up

 Health department reports no-show by 67% of new doctors following transfer exercise.

The health ministry will hold a special permanent appointment exercise for medical officers to meet Sabah’s staffing needs, with placements to begin in February. (Magnific pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Sabah is experiencing a shortage of 245 medical officers following the second phase of a permanent appointment exercise involving the transfer of doctors.

The Sabah health department said the transferred doctors were supposed to have replacements, but 67% of the replacement candidates from outside the state failed to report for duty despite accepting the permanent appointments.

The department said Ranau Hospital was among the healthcare facilities affected, with the hospital currently having only nine medical officers, including the hospital director.

This came after the exercise transferred out 11 of its 19 medical officers, Bernama reported.

“Although the health ministry identified seven replacement officers from outside Sabah, only one has reported for duty,” the department said.

It said it will deploy three temporary medical officers, or “floater” officers, to Ranau Hospital in stages, between Oct 28 and Nov 11.

The health ministry will, meanwhile, hold a special permanent appointment exercise for medical officers to meet Sabah’s staffing needs.

The department said placements under the special exercise are expected to begin in February. - FMT