The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is deeply concerned by the worsening doctor shortage at Hospital Ranau and the Sabah State Health Department’s confirmation that 67 per cent of replacement medical officers from outside Sabah failed to report for duty following the recent permanent appointment exercise.
The consequences are alarming. Hospital Ranau lost 11 of its 19 medical officers, yet only one of seven identified replacements reported for duty. The hospital is now operating with just nine medical officers, including its director.
Reports of doctors working 48 to 72 consecutive hours with inadequate rest are deeply disturbing. Such working conditions are unsustainable and pose serious risks to patient safety and doctors’ well-being.
