PUTRAJAYA: Addressing the issue of talent migration in Malaysia's healthcare sector requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, not just efforts from the Health Ministry, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister stated that long-term solutions must involve collaboration across multiple agencies, as highlighted in an independent study by the Strategic Engagement Group (SEG) titled "The Future of Health Workforce in Malaysia".
The study recommended the formation of an inter-ministerial Human Resource for Health (HRH) Governance Board to ensure sustainable workforce planning.
"This is not a challenge the ministry can resolve alone. We need the involvement of the Public Service Department, Finance Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, and the Human Resources Ministry," he said in a statement Saturday (July 12).
Dzulkefly stressed that the Health Ministry is committed to strengthening the healthcare system through ongoing reforms in financing and the adoption of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and other innovations to improve service delivery.
He also noted that as Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia will prioritise healthcare workforce mobility and regional cooperation through deeper engagement with neighbouring countries.
His remarks followed recent claims that hospitals in Singapore were luring Malaysian public healthcare professionals, especially doctors, with attractive salaries.
Speaking earlier on the matter, he said the ministry was taking proactive steps to encourage healthcare workers to remain in the public sector, despite having no legal means to prevent overseas job offers.
Among the key initiatives are speeding up permanent appointments for contract doctors and enhancing workplace conditions to ensure a safer, more equitable, and supportive environment. – Bernama
