KLANG: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is warning that a shortage of medical specialists is putting public healthcare at risk.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavakarasu Rajoo stated that 70 per cent of Malaysians rely on public hospitals, and when the country loses specialists, these patients suffer through longer wait times and delayed treatment.
"Malaysia currently faces a critical shortage of nearly 11,000 specialists," he revealed, adding that given this, the government should make it easier for doctors to train in areas like cardiology and oncology, gastroenterology and neonatology.
According to Dr Thirunavakarusu, new administrative barriers were making the process more difficult with confusing eligibility rules and performance appraisal requirements that fall under different government departments.
One major issue involved how doctors are graded during their training, he added.
"MMA is also concerned that unsuccessful applicants are often informed only that they were 'tidak berjaya' (unsuccessful) without any explanation.
"Decisions that affect careers and ultimately the country's future specialist workforce must be transparent," said Dr Thirunavakarasu.
He explained that many doctors continue to treat patients while they study, but their records often show they are on leave. This creates gaps in their service history and can unfairly stop them from advancing in their careers, added Dr Thirunavakarasu.
He argued that doctors should not be punished for taking part in government-recognised training while still serving the public.
Dr Thirunavakarasu warned that if the government does not fix these inconsistencies, talented doctors may choose to leave the country to work abroad.
He urged the Health Ministry and other government agencies to work together to ensure that rules support the growth of the medical workforce rather than hindering it.
"A specialist blocked at home is a specialist recruited abroad. And the patient left behind is in a public hospital," he added.
