According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, more than half of the country’s medical officers, totaling 54 percent of 100,696, departed from the public service sector in 2022. The primary reason cited for their departure was the desire to work in the private sector, with a significant portion also opting to work abroad.
In response to a question posed by Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Dzulkefly revealed that 45 percent of the doctors who left have found employment overseas. Other reasons for leaving included personal motives, offers to work in public universities, pursuing further studies, and opening their own clinics.
To address the issue and retain medical officers in the public sector, the government has implemented various initiatives. This includes setting higher starting salaries for contract officers, with Grade UD41 officers receiving RM5,197. Additionally, the government has appointed thousands of medical officers to permanent posts and plans to make more appointments in the coming years.
Furthermore, incentives for specialized studies are provided through facilities like full-paid study leave with Federal Training Allowance and the Skill Training Programme, aimed at encouraging medical officers to continue their careers in the public sector.
