PETALING JAYA: The double conundrum of public healthcare facing a serious manpower crunch while private healthcare becoming more costly may leave the public with limited options, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
Its chief executive officer T. Saravanan said the government must treat healthcare as a national priority.
“We are deeply concerned with the present manpower shortages in public hospitals which resulted in some having to restructure their services.
“While healthcare workers continue to serve with dedication under challenging conditions, the impact is becoming more visible and significant for the public,” he said yesterday.
Saravanan said healthcare is one of the most essential public services which the government must prioritise and maintain at the highest standard.
“When patients are unable to access timely and quality healthcare, it not only affects their physical well-being but also creates stress, anxiety and uncertainty.
“A healthcare system that is under strain ultimately affects the quality of life and productivity of the nation.”
Saravanan also said the current situation is worrying because many people are no longer able to rely on private healthcare as an alternative.
He said rising medical inflation, increasing insurance premiums, higher co-payments, exclusions and affordability concerns have made private healthcare less accessible.
“More people are turning to government healthcare facilities for treatment and care.
“This growing dependence means that any shortage of manpower, service restructuring or reduction in capacity will have a direct impact.
“Patients may face longer waiting times, delays in surgeries and specialist appointments, overcrowding and difficulties accessing treatment,” he said.
Saravanan added that for lower-income groups, senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses, such delays can have serious consequences.
The Fomca chief said the current situation risks creating greater inequality in access to healthcare and increasing public dissatisfaction and stress.
“Whether it is prevention, treatment, disease management, rehabilitation or long-term maintenance of public health, adequate investment and planning are essential.
“Immediate measures should focus on addressing staffing shortages, improving retention of healthcare professionals, reducing burnout and ensuring that service restructuring does not compromise patient access,” he said.
Saravanan said in the longer term, Malaysia needs a sustainable healthcare workforce strategy that includes better career progression, competitive remuneration, improved working conditions and stronger healthcare infrastructure.
Manpower shortages were previously reported in at least five hospitals – Segamat, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Ipoh and Pekan.
