Sabah needs more medical social workers, says CM Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah only has 28 medical social workers to serve the 24 hospitals in the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said they are stationed at public hospitals, minor and major specialist hospitals, facilities without specialists, and institutional hospitals.

“But such a low number is not enough to cater to patients who need further intervention,” he said in his speech at the 27th Malaysia Medical Social Work Officers conference here on Wednesday (Aug 28).

The speech was read by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

The Chief Minister said the shortage compelled these medical social workers to innovate and utilise the latest technologies while forging a large network of associates and partners to reach as many clients as possible.

Hajiji noted that Sabah’s geographical factors and socio-economic issues affected the people’s ability to seek healthcare and treatment, as well as the rising cost of such services.

This led to an increase in the number of people seeking medical assistance from government hospitals, adding to the workload and challenges of public healthcare workers, he said.

He added that medical social workers played a significant part in fulfilling the increasingly complex and changing needs of patients.

“They must build networks with both the private and public sectors that assist patients (facing difficulties in) undergoing treatment or rehabilitation,” he said.

Virtual or online consultation had to become an option for those far away from medical facilities, he added.

“I hope medical social workers will continue exploring new sources and avenues to help patients holistically, in all levels of society,” he said.