KUCHING: The pay rates of private doctors should be reconsidered, considering that the last time these were increased was in 1982.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said, the pay rates today do not commensurate with their sacrifices, especially when other jobs have received minimum wage increases several times in the same period.

“As we are aware, the pay rates for private doctors have actually never been increased, since 1982 and the pay for senior doctors has also not changed since 1982.

“So, are you willing to work with the pay rates set in 1982? That is why I have raised this matter with the Minister of Health, and he has promised to look into this issue.

“If we look, what was the minimum wage rate in 1982? And what is the minimum wage rate now?

“Why are doctors who have sacrificed for years, undergone difficult training, studied hard, and worked tirelessly, still being paid at the 1982 rate?” he asked.

He said this when speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Valiant Medical Clinic, in Batu Kawa, here, on Saturday.

Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, added that the increase in the rate of pay will indirectly attract more doctors with talent to serve the country after completing their studies.

“If we want to retain capable and experienced talents, at least we cannot continue to pay them at the 1982 rate. Otherwise, who else will stay with us?

“Therefore, we will do our best to help you and we are fighting for your interests,” he said.

In this regard, he stressed that he would continue to discuss with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) so that this increase could be considered. -UKASnews