Sabah healthcare: MP proposes doctor bonuses and congestion plans

Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has proposed five key commitments for the 2027 Budget to strengthen healthcare services in Sabah. He emphasized that these proposals are based on the urgent realities of the region's healthcare needs rather than a request for special treatment.

The proposed measures include:

1. An anti-congestion plan for hospitals and health clinics with specific timelines and funding. 2. The establishment of a health service commission to manage workforce planning, appointments, and career paths. 3. Multi-year workforce funding to ensure stable job creation and career progression. 4. New financial incentives, including a RM5,000 commencement bonus for medical officers and a RM10,000 retention bonus after five years of service. He also suggested restoring progressive salary-based Regional Incentive Payments and managing doctor placement durations from Peninsular Malaysia. 5. The implementation of an integrated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to ensure continuity of care between clinics and hospitals.

Madius noted that current congestion issues are driven by staff shortages, limited treatment spaces, and inadequate medical record management, citing instances where hundreds of elderly patients faced long waits at local clinics.