Deal with shortage of 11,000 specialists, MMA tells govt

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to address the shortage of 11,000 medical specialists to cater to an aging populace and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan, president of MMA, called for ongoing investments in expanding specialist training programs, improving career progression, and optimizing the distribution of the medical workforce across public healthcare facilities.

The MMA also proposed establishing a national healthcare workforce distribution dashboard to provide clear visibility on staffing levels and gaps in public hospitals and clinics, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.

Moreover, Dr Letchumanan highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships, investments in medical equipment, and digital health initiatives to reduce patient waiting times and elevate overall healthcare standards. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a budget allocation of RM47.7 billion for the health ministry, a 2.4% increase from RM46.5 billion in 2026.

The key measures include converting over 9,000 contract doctors into permanent positions, increasing patient outsourcing allocation to RM200 million, launching the MediAsas medical insurance scheme, providing RM1.2 billion for facility maintenance, and expanding electronic medical records nationwide.

Dr Letchumanan commended the government for providing job security and career certainty for young doctors through guaranteed permanent appointments for medical graduates completing housemanship. However, he emphasized that such appointments must be supported by a comprehensive workforce retention strategy.