PETALING JAYA: An uncertain future, bureaucratic challenges, and burnout are driving government doctors to seek career progression opportunities elsewhere.
Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, the already strained public healthcare system still faces unresolved manpower issues.
Additionally, doctors in government facilities report that the ongoing contract system demotivates those wishing to continue their service.
A doctor serving in Penang, who requested to be referred to only as Dr A, said while he wants to remain in the government service, the uncertainty of securing a permanent job is making him look for other opportunities.
“A lot of my seniors have migrated overseas. I love my profession, and I don’t want the time and money spent on medical school to go to waste.
“But I do not know whether I will be absorbed into permanent service once my contract ends. I have to start looking for opportunities abroad,” he said.
Dr A said the Health Ministry should have greater independence in hiring through a Health Service Commission, as it would better address doctors’ needs compared to the Public Service Department.
Another doctor who wanted to be identified only as Dr Jay said she wanted to remain in the peninsula, as it would allow her to be close to her family.
However, postings on the placement system were only available for Sabah and Sarawak.
“I am seriously considering quitting my job, as I am unable to travel often between Sabah and the peninsula to be with my family,” she said.
Another former medical officer, who identified herself only as Kay, said she struggled to manage 33-hour on-call shifts over an extended period, and the manpower shortage at her facility only worsened the situation.
“I decided to quit as I could not handle the stress any further,” she said, adding that she is doing locum at a nearby clinic to earn a living.
The identities of the doctors remain confidential, as civil servants are restricted by a gag order requiring approval from superiors before making public statements.
