MMA launches survey to assess manpower crisis in public hospitals and clinics

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (Schomos) has launched a survey to gather information on the working conditions of doctors at public hospitals and clinics facing manpower shortages.

“MMA Schomos is very concerned about the manpower crisis affecting many government hospitals in the country. Multiple calls for manpower data to be stored online but to no avail,” it said in a Facebook post on Monday (April 1).

“We urge you to fill out this short questionnaire to help us compile information on hospitals and clinics that are also facing a similar crisis,” it added.

This came about after a medical officer from a Sabah hospital lamented in a Facebook post that she had been working without a day off.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the government must take urgent action to address the shortages and uneven distribution of healthcare workers, which have led to burnout.

“This not only jeopardises the quality of care but also poses risks to patient safety, akin to a tired pilot endangering passengers. Despite repeated requests over the past three years, the MMA has yet to receive data from the Health Ministry on distributing healthcare workers nationwide,” she said.

“The ministry should look into creating a dashboard with data collected on its website to keep the public informed.

“We're aware of shortages in all public healthcare facilities, but the extent of the problem requires clarity for effective solutions.

Our internal survey among MMA members aims to illuminate the ground reality, with hopes that the insights gained will guide the ministry in planning appropriate measures,” she added.

The Dewan Negara was told recently that 3,046 contract doctors had quit the civil service in the last three years.

The Health Ministry said 924 quit the service last year, 1,354 in 2022 and 768 left in 2021.

The lack of permanent positions due to the contract system, issues related to the relocation system, burnout and working conditions, and the culture of bullying have led to several junior doctors leaving the civil service.