KUCHING: Sarawak will hold discussions with the Ministry of Health (KKM) to find a comprehensive solution to the challenges of medical personnel in the state.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the discussion must look at the issue comprehensively, including policy, funding and specialist training opportunities.

"I will make an appointment with the Minister of Health later, we will discuss and examine this policy issue comprehensively including the permission to employ doctors instead of focusing solely on the issue of payment.

"This is because payment is only part of the overall challenge, which also includes aspects such as postgraduate training opportunities and so on," he said.

He said this when met by reporters during the Padawan Discovery Festival opening ceremony at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall, here, on Friday.

According to the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, the issue cannot be resolved through a purely financial approach as it also involves policies and career development opportunities for doctors.

In the meantime, Datuk Amar Dr Sim said that Sarawak will also submit a proposal for the state to have the capacity to hire doctors directly to help address the need for medical personnel in Sarawak.

He said that the move was among the approaches that needed to be explored to enable Sarawak to obtain the necessary medical personnel.

He added that the results of the discussion would help Sarawak identify its true needs before related proposals are submitted for further consideration and action. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Douglas Demong
Translator: Nerissa Sia