KUCHING: Sarawak will conduct a feasibility study on the need to set up a medical faculty at a state-owned university, says Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The state Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister said this proposal would help address the shortage of doctors and nurses in the state.
“Sarawak is short of 1,871 medical officers, 246 specialists and 2,300 nurses, which is a critical level,” he told Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 27).
Dr Annuar said University of Technology Sarawak was tasked to carry out the study in the next six months.
“It is important for us to do the feasibility study, as this is one of the requirements for us to be given a licence to operate a medical school,” he said.
Dr Annuar said the study will assess the demand for an undergraduate medical school and evaluate the capacity of state-owned institutions in terms of human power and infrastructure.
It will also determine the institutions’ financial capability and costs involved and propose a financing plan.
In addition, the study will look into the regulations and procedures of the Higher Education Ministry, Malaysian Medical Council and Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
“The study will also recommend a roadmap in terms of implementation, accreditation and student intake,” he said.
Dr Annuar also urged the federal government to take immediate action to address the shortage of doctors and nurses in Sarawak, noting that this was under Putrajaya‘s jurisdiction.
“Health service is a human right for the people of Sarawak,” he added.
