KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg aims to decrease the ratio of doctors in the state within five years’ time.
The current ratio of doctors in the state now is at 1:800 and the target set by the Chief Minister is 1:400, similar to the current national ratio.
“In five years’ time, we are targeting to have an additional 100 doctors in the state. The state government has awarded 40 deserving students to pursuit medicine.
“Each student will receive RM4 million annually. Hence, the state government is spending RM20 million for each scholarship student pursuing medicine,”
He said this during the presentation of the Joint Collaboration International (JCI) Gold Seal Certificate to Normah Medical Specialist Centre (NMSC), yesterday.
The Chief Minister commended NMSC for being able to provide healthcare services to the people of Sarawak that are of international standards.
Johari said that the most important stage in providing healthcare services is the patient’s first encounter with any staff of the hospital.
“Today, the healthcare industry is similar to that of those hospitality industry as it determines whether the patient will return for their next treatments or not.
