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.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

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

Next In Letters

Developing a pragmatic approach for chronic care
Cyclists pose serious road safety issues�
Is Malaysia ready for electric ferries?
Rising medical insurance premiums may place greater pressure on public healthcare
Of laundry and technological progress�
Make care economy part of development strategy
Appeal to increase pensions in Budget 2027�
Age should not dictate how people are supposed to look�
Call to protect the forests we still have�
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, a voice for the Malayan tiger�

Others Also Read