MALAYSIAN Medics International (MMI) is deeply concerned that the Public Service Department (PSD) will stop sponsoring first degrees for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and para-medical programmes in 2023 (The Star, March 24; online at bit.ly/star_scholar).
While this may be regarded as a necessary drastic measure to manage the surge in medical graduate numbers in recent years, abruptly halting the scholarships may not be the answer. We believe this decision will impact the near and long-term future of Malaysia’s healthcare sector by reducing interest in medical-related programmes.
