Ending the era of contract doctors by 2028

The Malaysian government is set to conclude a phased initiative by 2028 aimed at eliminating contract doctors from the healthcare system, as part of broader civil service reforms. The Inter-Ministerial Joint Task Force (IMJTF) plans to offer permanent roles to every graduate medical officer (houseman) upon completion of their training, with remaining contract doctors to be absorbed throughout 2027.

To encourage more young medical officers to serve in Sabah and Sarawak, the government has introduced measures such as improving the placement system, covering relocation expenses, and granting merit points for specialist training and study leave in these regions. However, to fully eradicate career uncertainty for young doctors, the ministry must maintain policy transparency and ensure job security is coupled with sustainable working conditions.

Despite the government's efforts, the underlying crisis remains: permanent medical officers continue to resign due to extreme workloads, severe burnout, and systemic understaffing. Factors like toxic workplace culture, bullying, and e-Placement system issues have exacerbated the issue. To retain a competent and motivated healthcare workforce, the government must pair its hiring pledges with structural interventions, including financial reward restructuring, reforming workplace culture, transparent e-Placement logistics, and securing specialisation pathways.

The bottom line is that safeguarding a competent and motivated healthcare workforce is crucial for ensuring equitable, high-quality, and affordable care for all Malaysians.