PETALING JAYA: Many doctors in private practice are willing to give their time and expertise to support the public healthcare system, but the challenge lies in the process, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
“Many doctors in private practice are willing to give their time and expertise to support the public healthcare system. That instinct deserves recognition,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo.
“What it does not deserve is unnecessary bureaucracy. The willingness to help already exists. The challenge is the process.”
He said the mechanism for pro bono service is not new, adding that it has been in place since 2020, and a similar pathway was extended to allied health professionals in 2022.
“The issue has never been whether the door exists. The issue is whether anyone can get through it,” he said.
“A doctor offering to serve without payment should not have to navigate the same administrative hurdles designed for formal employment or contracted services.
“If the intention is to encourage pro bono contributions, then the process should be simple, practical and efficient.”
“However, we must be clear about one thing. Goodwill is not a workforce strategy.”
Dr Thirunavukarasu said the real challenge that public hospitals face is not a shortage of doctors willing to help, but those who are willing to stay.
“Heavy workloads, limited career progression, shortage of permanent posts and bottlenecks in senior positions continue to drive workforce attrition.
“A volunteer may help cover a shift. A volunteer cannot create a post, resolve promotion delays or rebuild an exhausted workforce.”
He said the government has already recognised the value of the private sector’s capacity through existing outsourcing programmes.
“That approach should be expanded where appropriate. A structured and funded partnership is a workforce policy. Asking doctors to volunteer indefinitely is not,” he said.
“Pro bono service should remain exactly what it is meant to be – a voluntary contribution by doctors who wish to give back.
“It should not become a substitute for manpower planning, workforce investment or healthcare funding.”
The MMA welcomes every doctor who chooses to serve pro bono. But generosity is not a budget, and volunteerism is not a workforce policy, he added.
