KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to end the contract doctors system warrant establishing the long-awaited national health commission, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic).
The Government Backbenchers Club (BBC) chairman said there must be a comprehensive and sustainable mechanism for the healthcare workforce that takes into account expertise and demographics, among others.
"When I was health minister, this matter was reviewed, which also saw the establishment of a technical working group in October 2023 to look at the suitable models and mechanisms used.
"Hence, if we want to resolve the issue of contract doctors, there is a pressing need to review establishing this commission," she said when debating Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 13).
The Sekijang MP also asked about the latest updates on the health commission and whether the government had identified the most suitable model to use, including its jurisdiction.
"We also need to know the timeline to realise its establishment," she said.
When tabling Budget 2027, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was committed to ending the contract doctor issue.
He also said the Madani administration had appointed more than 15,000 contract doctors to permanent posts since 2023, including 4,000 in 2026.
Commending the move, Dr Zaliha said there must be a clear timeline and mechanism in place.
"This is a very significant development especially for younger doctors who may be unclear about their career paths.
"While the government announced putting an end to the contract doctor system, we need a clearer picture on how this policy will be comprehensively implemented," she said.
