(Kuching, 10th) The standards for private doctor fees should be re-examined, as the last increase in fee standards was in 1982.
Sarawak Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Shen Kuihsien stated that the current salary levels for doctors are disproportionate to their contributions, especially in the context of multiple increases in the minimum wage standards in other industries.
"As we all know, the salaries of private doctors have not actually increased since 1982, and even senior doctors' salaries have never been adjusted. So, is anyone willing to work according to the 1982 salary standards? This is also the question I posed to the Minister of Health, who has agreed to investigate this matter."
He pointed out, if we look at what the minimum wage standards were in 1982 and what they are now?
"Why, after years of sacrificing for the country, going through hard training, studying diligently, and working day and night, do doctors still only earn wages from 1982?"
Shen Kuihsien, who is also Sarawak's Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, expressed at the opening of the Valiant Medical Clinic in his Batu Kawa constituency today that increasing the salary standards for doctors will help attract more outstanding doctors to choose to serve in our country after completing their studies.
"If we hope to retain capable and experienced talents, at the very least we cannot continue to pay wages at the 1982 level. Otherwise, who would want to remain in our positions?"
He emphasized that he will continue to discuss with the Malaysian Ministry of Health to strive for a reconsideration of adjusting doctors' salary standards.
Sarawak Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Shen Kuihsien stated that the current salary levels for doctors are disproportionate to their contributions, especially in the context of multiple increases in the minimum wage standards in other industries.
"As we all know, the salaries of private doctors have not actually increased since 1982, and even senior doctors' salaries have never been adjusted. So, is anyone willing to work according to the 1982 salary standards? This is also the question I posed to the Minister of Health, who has agreed to investigate this matter."
He pointed out, if we look at what the minimum wage standards were in 1982 and what they are now?
"Why, after years of sacrificing for the country, going through hard training, studying diligently, and working day and night, do doctors still only earn wages from 1982?"
Shen Kuihsien, who is also Sarawak's Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, expressed at the opening of the Valiant Medical Clinic in his Batu Kawa constituency today that increasing the salary standards for doctors will help attract more outstanding doctors to choose to serve in our country after completing their studies.
"If we hope to retain capable and experienced talents, at the very least we cannot continue to pay wages at the 1982 level. Otherwise, who would want to remain in our positions?"
He emphasized that he will continue to discuss with the Malaysian Ministry of Health to strive for a reconsideration of adjusting doctors' salary standards.