Health Ministry approves 240 GLP-1 treatment applications costing RM2.56mil this year

On November 2, it was reported that the Malaysian Health Ministry (MoH) is grappling with a nationwide shortage of 1,176 vehicle drivers, including those responsible for ambulances. This shortage is expected to linger until at least April 2027. The Ministry of Health acknowledged the delay in recruiting General Service Assistants (Driving) following the suspension of recruitment through the Public Services Commission (PSC) in 2024.

The suspension aimed to implement the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which merged the former vehicle driver scheme into the General Service Assistant scheme. Consequently, the recruitment requirements needed to be reviewed, particularly for those driving ambulances. The ministry expects to fill the vacant driving posts at public health facilities in stages starting April 2027, contingent on the completion of the PSC recruitment process.

As of September 30, the MoH had 8,863 General Service Assistant (Driving) positions, with 7,687 filled. Peninsular Malaysia had 1,003 of these vacancies, followed by Sarawak with 92, Sabah with 73, and Labuan with eight. The ministry suggested that recruitment projections must consider existing vacancies, retirements, staff attrition, and individual facility operational needs. Recruitment applications are still under processing by the PSC, while the driving competency test for candidates was concluded on October 27.

This driver shortage coincides with the government's plan to acquire 400 new ambulances for MoH hospitals under the 2027 Budget. This initiative aims to enhance emergency response times. However, the shortage has also raised concerns among health professionals. PEMATA-KKM president Reostam Dzahar expressed worry that the shortage is increasing the workload of existing drivers, with some reportedly working beyond their stipulated hours, leading to burnout.