KUCHING: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian has revealed that Sarawak continues to face a severe shortage of doctors and medical officers, with around 11,000 posts still vacant across the state.

Speaking at the World Osteoporosis Open Day held at the Day Care Centre (DDC), Hospital Umum Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim said the shortage remains one of Sarawak’s biggest challenges despite its growing healthcare responsibilities and population needs.

“We are short of 11,000 posts. Please help us,” he said, urging the Ministry of Health (MOH) to prioritise Sarawak in future staffing allocations to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

He said the state government has long raised the matter with federal authorities, calling for fair distribution of human resources as part of ongoing discussions under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Datuk Amar Dr Sim also pointed out the disparity in operational budgets between Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and other hospitals of similar size in the region.

He said SGH, with 1,000 beds, operates on an estimated RM700 million annual budget, compared to the Royal Brisbane Hospital’s RM4.5 billion.

“We do not have enough manpower, but we still deliver,” he said, emphasising that Sarawak’s healthcare workers continue to serve with dedication despite the limited funds and staffing.

He said the state’s medical teams have consistently shown resilience and adaptability, carrying out their duties under challenging conditions while maintaining service quality for the public.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that Sarawak’s healthcare system continues to improve through collaboration and innovation, but long-term stability requires structural support from the federal level.

He reiterated that the call for additional manpower and fair funding is not a complaint, but a reflection of the state’s commitment to delivering quality care for its people.

“We are doing our part. We just hope the system recognises our efforts,” he said. -UKASnews