SHAH ALAM, May 12 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and restore confidence in the medical profession.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad acknowledged that the contract system for doctors introduced in 2016 has weaknesses that need improvement, but emphasised that the issue must be viewed more holistically.
“I respect the views raised by the Malaysia Medical Association, and I myself have acknowledged from the beginning that the contract system introduced in 2016 has weaknesses that need to be improved. However, we also need to look at this issue more comprehensively,” he said.
The issue is not solely related to the contract system or permanent appointments in the public sector, as many doctors have also chosen to leave the government healthcare ecosystem to work in the private sector.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the MOH is currently carrying out six major reforms aimed at improving the healthcare system, including increasing permanent appointments in stages, with 4,500 contract doctors set to begin this year.
“In addition, the MOH is also accelerating the filling of vacancies nationwide and strengthening career pathways, including the Parallel Pathway programme and specialist training,” he said.
The ministry is similarly focusing on long-term development of the healthcare workforce, with the country reportedly requiring at least 23,000 doctors by 2030, according to a recent study.
“The MOH is also studying other aspects, including workload and the working environment of healthcare workers. The final step is to implement broader healthcare reforms, including healthcare digitalisation, strengthening primary care, and financing reforms,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
He noted that the contract doctor system was introduced following the failure of the previous administration under former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former health minister Tan Sri Dr Subramaniam Sathasivam to implement the MOH’s proposal.
“The contract doctor system exists because of the failure of the previous administration led by Najib and Dr S. Subra to implement the MOH’s proposal,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
The minister also addressed concerns raised by young doctors over workload, saying that the MOH understands the pressure faced by healthcare workers amid increasing patient numbers and staffing shortages.
"Issues related to work-life balance, welfare, and competitive salaries are among the reasons some doctors are leaving the public healthcare service.
“Factors outside the profession, such as opportunities for career advancement and salary increases, also need to be considered,” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly underlined the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the healthcare profession regains public trust and recognition through holistic reforms.
“What is important now is not to blame the old foundations, but to carry out comprehensive reforms so the medical profession can once again be trusted and respected,” he said.
