Kuala lumpur: The Health Ministry (MOH) is finalising bilateral agreements with several countries, including Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, to ensure that the recruitment of Malaysian healthcare workers abroad is conducted ethically and does not affect the capacity of the country’s public health system. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that this initiative aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the WHO code provides guidance to member countries in managing cross-border recruitment of healthcare workers to ensure ethical implementation and minimise the impact on source countries, which are usually developing nations. Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers who choose to migrate.
Commenting on the recruitment of Malaysian healthcare personnel by Singapore, Dr Dzulkefly explained that the process was conducted by private agencies in that country. He mentioned having contacted Singapore’s Health Minister, who confirmed that the recruitment was done by private agencies rather than the ministry itself. The Singaporean Health Minister expressed regret over the situation and assured that it would not happen again.
Dr Dzulkefly also addressed the perception that working abroad is always more rewarding, noting that there has been a return flow of local specialists to Malaysia. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 73 Malaysian medical specialists working overseas have returned, with three rejoining the MOH and 70 resuming service in the private sector and statutory bodies. He highlighted the importance of continuous improvements in service schemes, career pathways, and remuneration.
On the digitalisation front, Dr Dzulkefly announced that the MOH is expanding the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system by 2029. The use of cloud computing will shorten the digitalisation process at clinics from up to six months to just three days. As of October 17, a total of 160 clinics had been digitalised, with another 2,489 primary healthcare facilities expected to complete the process by 2026.
Addressing manpower needs in Sabah and Sarawak, Dr Dzulkefly revealed that 1,315 permanent positions had been offered as of October 17, but only 47 percent had reported for duty. Consequently, at least one placement option is now required in Labuan, Sabah, or Sarawak.
Regarding facility development, Dr Dzulkefly stated that the ministry prioritises upgrading health clinics over constructing new hospitals. This includes upgrading the Maran Health Clinic to a Type 2 facility due to the unavailability of a suitable site for a new hospital and merging the Pahi Health Clinic and Kuala Krai District Health Office (PKD) in Kelantan into a district health complex.
The sitting is set to resume tomorrow.