Picture from the back of the group of nurses Government hospital nurses are attractive to overseas job as the lucrative of payroll comparing Malaysia.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The generous allocations for the Health Ministry under Budget 2026 show the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of health workers, say stakeholders.
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran said it also ensures that the public and private health systems remain sustainable, competitive and inclusive.
He noted that RM120mil has been allocated annually for the on-call duty allowance, which has not been revised since 2011.
It will be increased by around 40%, from RM250 to RM350, for specialist doctors on active call duties during holidays.
Dr Lingeshwaran said the government has taken important steps to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by approving 4,500 new permanent appointments for contract doctors and offering 935 graduate nurses permanent positions next year.
He said revising the consultation fee rates for private medical practitioners or general practitioners from RM10-RM35 to RM10-RM80 was also favourable in line with the current times.
“I greatly appreciate the announcements by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 2026 Madani Budget, which bring good news to all healthcare workers in the country.
“I am very pleased he has finally heard the voices and complaints of those in the medical profession, including contract doctors and private medical practitioners.
“Now it is time for all of us – doctors, nurses and health professionals – to move forward with renewed vigour and continue serving the people and the country,” Dr Lingeshwaran said.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh commended the government for its continued commitment in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
He said enabling private hospitals to establish a “hospital welfare fund” managed as companies limited by guarantee, where funds are tax-exempt and donors will be eligible for tax deductions, is an innovative approach.
He also commended the increase in funding of the public healthcare sector, which serves over 70% of Malaysians and remains the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system.
“The initiatives announced in Budget 2026 are timely, strategic and a step in the right direction.
“We believe these measures will strengthen the nation’s overall healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality care for all Malaysians and represent a sustainable approach to tackling the nation’s healthcare challenges,” he said.
Dr Kuljit also said the APHM welcomes the RM20mil allocation to enhance health tourism programmes under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.
“We foresee that this initiative will further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading regional healthcare hub and boost the country’s medical tourism sector,” he said.
