Tangani kekurangan hampir 11,000 pakar, MMA gesa kerajaan

Malaysia's government faces a shortage of nearly 11,000 medical professionals to meet the needs of the island population and rising non-communicable disease burdens, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan, MMA president, has called for expanded training opportunities, increased career advancement, and optimum utilization of healthcare facility resources through continued investment.

The association also suggests a national roadmap be created for the distribution of healthcare workers, providing clear insights into staffing levels and workforce gaps in public hospitals and clinics, ensuring resources are used effectively. Addressing an important aspect in the 2027 budget announced today, Sivanaesan emphasized the potential for public-private sector collaboration, investment in medical equipment, and health digital initiatives to reduce patient waiting times and improve health service quality overall, reported Bernama.

Ultimately, 2027's budget is measured not only by the announced allocations but also by how successfully it can enhance patient care quality, reduce waiting times, maintain healthcare workforce, and expand access to healthcare services. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today a budget of RM47.7 billion for the Health Ministry, up from RM46.5 billion in 2026.

Key health sector steps include absorbing over 9,000 contract doctors into permanent positions, increasing outpatient care budgets by RM200 million, introducing a MediBasic program, providing RM1.2 billion for facility development, and expanding electronic medical records use. Sivanaesan noted that a permanent appointment guarantee for newly trained doctors ensures work stability and clearer career paths for young doctors, marking a significant achievement long sought by the MMA.

While the permanent appointment is a positive development, it needs to be supported by a comprehensive workforce management strategy, he added.