THE public healthcare system is confronting a mounting doctor shortage, with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) warning that years of systemic mismanagement have left the sector struggling to attract and retain medical professionals.
“MMA views this as a serious and long-anticipated workforce crisis. When 5,000 positions are offered and only 529 are filled, it clearly shows that graduates are choosing not to enter the system. That should concern all of us,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo.
He emphasised that the crisis has been building for more than a decade and did not arise overnight.
“The medical profession has, over the past decade, been without clear short-, mid- and long-term solutions. Years of misaligned policy, inconsistent planning, and working conditions, combined with a growing negative narrative about public healthcare, have contributed to the problem,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu highlighted that the contract system and uncertain career pathways have left young doctors questioning the stability of public service roles.
“Housemanship is still perceived as physically and mentally demanding, with inconsistent support and supervision. This perception is influencing decisions,” he said, adding that past policies addressing immediate issues have often created new challenges over time.
The MMA president underlined that the solutions are known, but decisive action has been lacking.
“First, we must restore confidence. There must be a clear and transparent pathway from housemanship to career progression, with certainty in employment, remuneration, and specialist training.
“The Health Ministry and Public Service Department must be aligned, and the Finance Ministry must be involved. Without the Finance Ministry, remuneration cannot be addressed,” he said.
He also linked doctors’ well-being to patient care, noting widespread burnout and serious incidents among house officers.
“We cannot separate a doctor’s well-being from quality of care. House officers need proper supervision, rest and a system that does not normalise overwork or unsafe practices,” Dr Thirunavukarasu said.
Warning of a declining interest in medicine, he cited a 2024 national study of 859 medical students from 21 medical schools, which found only 37.8% were optimistic about a future with the Health Ministry.
“These are students still in training. If this is not addressed, the pipeline problem will worsen,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach involving the Health Ministry, Public Service Department, Finance Ministry, and Higher Education Ministry to prevent a worsening crisis.
“More than 70% of Malaysians depend on the public healthcare system.
“With an ageing population and rising non-communicable diseases, demand will only increase. If we do not act now, the impact will be felt directly by patients in terms of waiting times and quality of care,” he added.
He cautioned that the effects of policy changes today will only materialise in five to ten years.
“What we are seeing today reflects past decisions, and what we do now will determine the system a decade from today. If we want young doctors to serve, we must first build a system in which they are willing to serve,” he said. – March 28, 2026