Tangani kekurangan hampir 11,000 pakar, MMA gesa kerajaan

Malaysia's government faces a shortfall of nearly 11,000 healthcare professionals to meet the demands of the country's island population and rising non-communicable diseases, according to the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan, MMA president, urged expansion of training opportunities, career advancement, and optimal utilization of healthcare facility workforce through continued investment.

The MMA also proposes a national blueprint for workforce distribution to provide a clear picture of staffing levels and workforce shortages in public hospitals and clinics, ensuring resources are used effectively.

Addressing another critical aspect in the 2027 Budget announced today, Sivanaesan emphasized potential collaboration between the public and private sectors, investment in medical equipment, and health digital initiatives to reduce patient waiting times and improve overall health service quality. The 2027 Budget is not only measured by the announced allocations but also by how well it improves patient care quality, shortens waiting times, maintains healthcare workforce, and expands access to healthcare services, he stated.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today's healthcare sector budget of RM47.7 billion, up from RM46.5 billion in 2026. Key health sector steps include absorbing over 9,000 contract doctors into permanent positions, increasing outpatient care budget by RM200 million, introducing MediSave, providing RM1.2 billion for facility infrastructure, and expanding electronic medical records usage.

Sivanaesan noted the promised job security and clearer career path for newly qualified doctors as a significant achievement, fulfilling one of MMA's long-standing demands. He acknowledged the government's effort to ensure job security and provide clearer career paths for our young doctors. The job security provision is a positive development, but it needs to be supported by a comprehensive workforce management strategy.