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An academic health researcher has urged the 2027 budget to prioritize preventing chronic disease through education and behavior-changing programs, beyond simply offering fixed-term contracts to contract doctors. Ilyana Mukhriz, a health policy analyst at the Khazanah Research Institute, stated that fixed-term appointments alone cannot solve the challenge of retaining doctors within the public healthcare system, even though it is an important step in improving job security.

"The allocation alone cannot resolve all issues. However, the next step needs to ensure doctors have a good working environment, clear communication about career development opportunities, suitable permanent positions through cluster and merit-based appointments, and fair compensation," she told FMT. She added that doctors stationed in suburban areas should be provided with residential quarters, relaxation facilities, and access to essential needs.

The 2027 budget announcement revealed that over 9,000 contract doctors would be offered fixed-term positions next year, while those who successfully complete their specialist training would be granted fixed-term appointments as medical officers. However, Ilyana pointed out that there have been instances where doctors have not reported for duty despite receiving fixed-term offer letters.

Last week, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that only 63% of contract medical staff offered fixed-term positions in Sabah and Sarawak this year had reported. The minister urged the 2027 budget to place greater emphasis on preventing chronic disease through education and behavior-changing programs, as untreated chronic conditions will ultimately lead to higher spending on future treatments.

The expert also called for improvements in the procurement and maintenance of medical equipment, noting that some hospital assets are no longer repairable despite RM770 million earmarked for new equipment. The Galen Foundation for Health and Social Research noted that transferring contract doctors from fixed-term to permanent positions does not necessarily increase the number of healthcare workers providing services.

Executive Director Azrul Khalib urged the implementation of a multi-year program to recruit and support healthcare workers, as well as the establishment of an independent health service advisory council to enhance recruitment, placement, compensation, and career development. He stated that while the 2027 budget has set aside funds for reform, increasing expenditure alone will not resolve the systemic issues facing the healthcare sector.

"This budget provides relief in several important areas, but it avoids making difficult decisions needed to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services in the coming decade," he said. The 2027 budget allocated RM47 billion to the Ministry of Health, a slight increase from RM46 billion in 2026. Additional funding includes RM770 million for modern medical equipment, RM200 million for the transfer of outpatients to other hospitals to reduce waiting times, RM1.2 billion for public health infrastructure development, the MediAsas health insurance scheme, and the nationwide implementation of electronic health records.