Health Service Commission bill targeted for tabling before end of 15th Parliament - Dzulkefly
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to obtain a policy decision from the Cabinet on the establishment of the Health Service Commission this year and, if approved, table the Bill in Parliament by the end of the 15th Parliament at the latest.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to seek a Cabinet decision on establishing the Health Service Commission this year, with plans to table the associated Bill in Parliament by the end of the 15th Parliament. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that the commission's establishment would bolster human resource management and welfare for healthcare workers across all 86 service schemes under the MOH.
The commission would not possess the power to create new positions, establish remuneration systems, or determine emoluments, as these responsibilities lie with the Public Service Department (PSD) and the Ministry of Finance. The commission's authority is limited to Article 144 of the Federal Constitution, which pertains to personnel appointment, confirmation, placement, promotion, transfer, and disciplinary control.
On October 22, the MOH held discussions with other service commissions and the PSD to gather more information about the commission's duties, functions, and establishment process. Responding to a question from Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang), Dzulkefly affirmed his commitment to table the Health Service Commission Bill for first reading by the end of 2027, in line with the reform goals outlined in the 2023 Health White Paper.
The MOH is actively enhancing human resources through the MOH Staffing Task Force, which manages position distribution, on-call duty allowances, and the permanent appointment of 15,000 contract medical officers since 2023, with 9,000 permanent appointments specifically for 2027, aiming to eliminate the contract doctor system. Dzulkefly addressed concerns about comprehensive reforms following the resignation of 3,510 medical officers between 2024 and 2026, highlighting the MOH's creation of a special quota for specialist studies opportunities, particularly for medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak.
The minister expressed hope that the upcoming commission would address long-standing legacy issues while implementing several foundational solutions, including increasing permanent positions.
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