Lok Sabha: KKM allocates a special quota of 30 percent for doctoral training in Sabah, Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Oct: Ministry of Health (MOH) will allocate a special quota of 30 percent for opportunities to extend expertise training to medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said KKM will be researching and implementing the initiative as an effort to acknowledge the sacrifices of medical officers serving in both regions.

"I am honoured to announce that I have directed KKM to research and subsequently implement a special quota of 30 per cent for expert training for those serving in Sabah and Sarawak.

"This is an announcement that for me elevates the dignity and appreciates the sacrifices of our medical officers in Sabah and Sarawak", he said.

He said this while answering the question of Suhaizan Kaiat (Pakatan Harapan - Pulai) on the issue of medical officers failing to report in Sabah and Sarawak at the sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, today.

Dzulkefly explained, out of the total 1,650 places provided through the Federal Training Award (HLP), about 500 places will be dedicated to medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak.

According to him, the measure is also aimed at addressing perceptions among medical officials that placement in Sabah and Sarawak could affect their chances of continuing specialist studies.

In addition to the special quota, KKM also granted additional merit to medical officers who have served in Sabah and Sarawak in consideration of offer of specialist training programme as well as study leave.

Meanwhile, he informed that KKM also improved the electronic placement system and issued early placement decisions.

"The measure is to allow medical officers to make adequate preparations before reporting at their location", he said.

Dzulkefly said the medical officer involved was also eligible to receive exchange allowances at a rate of 100 percent, including food, accommodation and travel expenses.

"Even medical officers who return to their home province are eligible for a full disruption allowance", he said. - TVS