13,000 jawatan kosong doktor, termasuk 1,660 doktor pakar

Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Health Minister, revealed that there are 13,072 vacant doctor positions in the Ministry of Health as of June 30, including 1,660 specialist doctor vacancies. He stated that 3,510 medical staff have switched jobs between 2024 and 2026, with 1,252 permanent contract doctors and 2,258 contractual doctors. Of these transfers, 51.4% moved to the private sector, 36.8% for personal reasons, and 4.5% joined religious institutions.

Additionally, 2.9% work abroad, 2.6% left due to health issues, 1.5% continued their studies, and 0.3% opened their own clinics. Eight specialist doctors also left for foreign countries. The Health Minister disclosed these details during a written response in Parliament to address questions from V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) regarding doctors who switched jobs or emigrated, the vacancy of positions, the shortage of specialist doctors, the duration of hospital internships, and the effectiveness of measures to retain doctors in public health service.

The Ministry of Health has recruited 14,064 permanent medical staff and 9,847 contractual medical staff during this period. To address the workforce shortage, the Health Minister announced that up to 4,500 contractual doctors will be offered permanent contracts this year. A taskforce under the Department of Public Service was established in April to investigate the issue of workforce, while the Ministry of Health has been granted greater authority to manage and distribute positions to expedite the recruitment of personnel.

Hospital waiting times have improved, with six government hospitals achieving at least 70% of non-emergency patients treated within two hours, compared to the previous average of four to six hours. The Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh reported the highest rate, with 98.61% of green zone patients treated within two hours. Next was Hospital Ampang (88.78%), Hospital Selayang (74.1%), Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Bahru (73.2%), Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang (72.2%), and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (71.8%).

Meanwhile, a 9% decline in the number of patients in six major hospitals was observed after completing emergency operations. These hospitals remain open until 9 PM on working days and from 8 AM to 1 PM on weekends and public holidays. This temporary shift in operations helps divert patients with minor health issues from emergency departments.