The reluctance of doctors to accept permanent positions in Sabah and Sarawak should concern all of us.
Many of the reasons have already been discussed: distance from family, difficult working conditions, inadequate infrastructure, limited career opportunities and the challenges of serving in remote areas.
But simply repeating the problems will not solve them.
With the federal budget this October, followed by the Sabah and Sarawak state budgets, this is the right time for both the federal and state governments to act.
We need to go back to basics and ask a simple question: What would make a young doctor genuinely want to come to Sabah or Sarawak, build a career here and perhaps eventually make Borneo home?
