MMA urges Budget 2027 action on healthcare staff shortages

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is urging the government to take immediate action on healthcare staff shortages in Budget 2027. According to MMA president Dr L Sivanaesan, the country is facing a significant shortage of doctors, specialists and nurses, with nearly 11,000 specialists and 18% of nursing positions vacant. Between 2019 and 2023, 3,494 doctors left the Health Ministry, with a 57% increase in resignations among specialists and a drop in filled positions from 96% to 83%.

MMA wants previous service under the contract scheme to be considered in determining years of service and salary progression, and proposes a transparent, merit-based pathway for specialists to reach higher grades based on objective and measurable criteria. The association also calls for a review of policies that make it difficult for doctors to build sustainable careers in the public healthcare system, including a review of the LNPT assessments, adequate Training Reserve posts, fair on-call rates, and the retention of previous Bayaran Insentif Wilayah (BIW) rates for workers in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

MMA advocates for increased funding for the Flying Doctor Service, a Private Healthcare Development Division under the Health Ministry, and digitisation of CKAPS registration and licensing. The association emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the workforce shortage as it already impacts the healthcare system's capacity.