Kinarut: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has prepared briefing notes and a memorandum to be presented to the Cabinet to address the shortage of personnel in the national healthcare sector, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to resolving the filling of 4,352 positions to meet the healthcare needs of the people, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly expressed awareness of the personnel shortage issue and his personal commitment to expedite the appointment process for contract healthcare workers to be absorbed into permanent positions without waiting by cohort. He noted the importance of identifying solutions to reduce the staffing deficit and address maldistribution within the sector, which he has inherited but is determined to resolve within a reasonable timeframe.

Dzulkefly shared these insights with reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day event at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kampung Langkuas, Kinarut. The event was also attended by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and MOH Secretary-General Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad.

The Prime Minister announced government initiatives to expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at healthcare facilities, including appointing contract doctors this year. Dzulkefly clarified that the responsibility for these appointments lies with the Public Service Department (JPA) and Public Services Commission (SPA), but he expressed confidence that these agencies are committed to fulfilling the health sector’s staffing needs.

Furthermore, Dzulkefly highlighted the MOH’s efforts to boost healthcare staff morale by maintaining the 42-hour work week for nurses, housemen (PPS), and medical officers (MOs).