Kuala Lumpur:The government's decision to provide permanent positions to over 9,000 contract doctors, as announced in Budget 2027, is expected to significantly enhance public healthcare services across the nation, According to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MMA president Dr. Sivanaesan Letchumanan remarked that this move addresses the association's long-standing calls for job security and career certainty for young doctors. He emphasized that while permanent appointments represent progress, a comprehensive workforce retention strategy is necessary to sustain improvements in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Sivanaesan noted the urgent need to address the shortage of nearly 11,000 specialists to cater to an ageing population and increasing cases of non-communicable diseases. He advocated for continued investment in specialist training, career progression, and efficient workforce distribution in public healthcare facilities.
The MMA also suggested creating a national healthcare workforce distribution dashboard to monitor staffing levels and shortages effectively. Additionally, Dr. Sivanaesan discussed the potential benefits of public-private collaboration, investment in medical equipment, and digital health initiatives as outlined in Budget 2027.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the Budget 2027 announcement in the Dewan Rakyat, disclosed an increased allocation of RM47.7 billion for the Ministry of Health, up from RM46.5 billion in 2026. Key initiatives include the integration of contract doctors into permanent service, boosting patient outsourcing funds, and expanding electronic medical record systems.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) urged the government to extend similar permanent appointment opportunities to contract pharmacists. MPS president Prof Amrahi Buang highlighted the essential roles played by pharmacists in public healthcare and called for transparency and fairness in addressing employment uncertainties for all healthcare professionals.