In need of radiographers

RADIOGRAPHERS are highly-skilled medical technologists who operate the various diagnostic imaging machines. Working in a field with many different modalities, including general X-ray, CT (computerised tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), and angiography, radiographers have to sub-specialise.

These medical imaging professionals operate in stressful and highly demanding environments, more so when unexpected situations like the Covid-19 pandemic occur.

So, it is no surprise that a significant number of radiographers and specialty radiographers leave their current positions for opportunities abroad, which include higher pay and better benefits and working conditions. Some have left the profession altogether.

There was already a shortage of radiographers in Malaysia before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020. Some had left to pursue different healthcare roles, such as application specialists or sales executives for imaging companies, after being overlooked for bonuses and recognition in their service. The stress of working in healthcare during the pandemic also drove some to opt for early retirement.

The attrition in our radiographer numbers extends throughout the spectrum of the profession, including ultrasound, radiation therapy, MRI and CT.

As reported by the Planning Division of the Health Ministry, the radiographer to population ratio in Malaysia as at Dec 31, 2019 and Dec 31, 2020 was 1:11,162 and 1:10,655, respectively.

During the pandemic, 480 junior radiographers were recruited by the Health Ministry on a contract basis. Most of them left their current posts in private hospitals and clinics, assuming that they would be absorbed as permanent workers at the end of their contract. Unfortunately, only 100 of them made it, leaving the rest to continue working on contract or quitting after their term expired.

Staff shortage in radiology are now being reported nationwide, and professional organisations such as the Malaysian Society of Radiographers are looking for data-driven evidence to provide a deeper understanding of the job market.

The number of students enrolling in health science, especially in private universities, is dropping. This shows that health science is no longer popular among students, especially SPM school leavers.

The government’s current emphasis on technical and vocational education is also making the situation worse. If the drop in enrolment persists, diploma and degree courses in radiography at private universities will be at risk of closure.

Solving these challenges is important for radiology departments, and crucial for patients.

Staff shortages are causing serious limitations to physicians’ speed in diagnosing life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease and stroke, and treating cancer in a timely manner.

On their part, patients have to put up with longer waiting times for treatment and risks of false positive and false negative screening outcomes.

Recruitment strategies have traditionally focused on increasing the number of entrants to the profession, but their effectiveness may be counter-balanced by the loss of existing radiographers. This chronic workforce deficit must be addressed, and the best way to do this is to provide incentives for the existing staff to stay on.

TS SAWAL MARSAIT

President

Malaysian Society of Radiographers

Shah Alam