Retaining talent crucial towards building stronger healthcare system — Dr Sim

KUCHING (Dec 15): Talent retention among healthcare workers is critical for building a resilient healthcare system, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

“We must support our specialists through professional development, recognition, and appropriate incentives so they can continue serving Sarawakians effectively,” he said during Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) 53rd anniversary dinner at a hotel here last Saturday.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, also encouraged doctors to be actively involved in MMA or other such bodies to further strengthen the medical profession.

“Serving in MMA or any professional body must be done during good times and bad, not only when problems arise. Instead of asking, ‘What they can do for me’, ask instead ‘What can I do for them’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Sim highlighted that clinical waste collection and disposal in rural areas was overlooked, but Sarawak was developing state-led clinical waste management solutions.

“Currently, facilities outside Kuching, including Bario, Belaga, Limbang, Lawas, and Mukah, face high logistical costs and irregular services.

“We aim to reduce costs for clinics and hospitals, improve service consistency, expand coverage, and protect public health and the environment,” he said.

In this regard, he said Sarawak was focused on expanding specialist services to rural hospitals and clinics to improve healthcare access across the state, particularly for cardiology, oncology, and surgical care.