Health groups welcome end to contract doctor system, but warn of lingering manpower issues

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced on October 9 that the Malaysian Health Ministry will complete the process of converting 9,000 contract doctors to permanent positions by the end of 2027. This move aims to eliminate the interim contract doctor system. The Health Minister explained that this change would require innovative management approaches to expedite the process while adhering to the required regulations and recruiting cohorts.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during the Budget 2027 presentation, confirmed that more than 9,000 contract doctors would receive permanent appointments in the coming year. Moreover, doctors who complete their housemanship would also be offered permanent posts as medical officers. Since 2023, the Madani Government has appointed over 15,000 contract doctors as permanent staff, with 4,000 additions this year alone.

Dzulkefly stated that this initiative is a step towards addressing healthcare workforce challenges. The RM47.7 billion allocated to the ministry under Budget 2027 includes funds for operating expenses and development, enabling the ministry to continue its healthcare reform agenda. Some of the new initiatives include increasing the Post-Basic Incentive Payment from RM100 to RM200 per month for 47,000 paramedics and nurses, and raising the Air Health Services Incentive Payment from RM30 to RM100.

In terms of healthcare services in remote areas, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, the ministry will maintain efforts to strengthen service delivery in line with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal, ensuring equitable access to healthcare. Regarding the proposal for the ministry to own helicopters for air medical services, Dzulkefly preferred leasing them to minimize costs and reduce asset maintenance burdens.

The Health Minister also noted that while the haze affected healthcare facilities, the ministry's facilities were still capable of managing the surge in air pollution-related cases. He advised the public to limit outdoor activities when Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeded 160 or 200 and to minimize exposure to polluted air, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.