We have too many doctors? Really?


MUCH has been said in the press about the oversupply of doctors. But is that truly the case? Till today Malaysia has not reached the ideal doctor to patient ratio, 1:400. Currently, the ratio seems to stand at 1:625 (based on the Health Ministry’s 2017 data of 1.6:1,000).

In practical terms, if we have an oversupply of doctors, why do people still have to travel by foot and boat and on treacherous journeys just to get to a hospital in the interior of states like Sabah and Sarawak? Try telling those people about the oversupply of doctors and they will gladly ask for doctors to be sent to their villages.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Letters

China's 15th five-year plan, sustainable development goals and cooperation with Malaysia
Labour issues must be resolved to stem brain drain�
On-the-ground reality of childcare fee tax relief
Tackling bias in automated decision-making systems�
Tun Razak's legacy 50 years on: From commemoration to cultivation for Malaysia's future
Avoid treating chatbots as confidants or medical advisers
Broad protections for free speech have real costs�
Cultivating Tun Razak’s legacy for the future�
Learning difficulties could be due to problems in the ear��
Give better incentives to retain local coaches

Others Also Read