Budget 2026 must address a public healthcare system that is under pressure

Photo: Filepic/The Star

THE Health Minister’s disclosure in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 7 that over 2,000 experienced doctors and nurses with more than five years of service resigned from the Health Ministry (MOH) between 2022 and 2024 highlights a critical challenge for our healthcare system: retaining talent amid growing demands.

This wave of departures comes as public hospitals and clinics are increasingly stretched due to the rising cost of living and an ageing population that depends heavily on government healthcare services.