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.

With private medical costs and insurance premiums becoming unaffordable for many, more Malaysians are seeking treatment in public facilities. Unfor-tunately, the healthcare workforce is shrinking, and infrastructure is under mounting pressure.

Given these circumstances, MCA calls for a significant increase in Budget 2026 allocations for the MOH, beyond the RM45.3bil allocated in Budget 2025. This additional funding must prioritise workforce sustainability, employee remuneration, and facility upgrades.

MCA recommends the following measures:

> Upgrade public medical facilities – Many hospitals and clinics are overcrowded, underequipped, and in disrepair, with one even affected by water supply disruption. Budget 2026 must allocate funds to repair and modernise infrastructure and digital systems, especially in high- demand areas.

> Enhance remuneration and incentives – To retain skilled professionals, the government must raise emoluments, locum, and hardship allowances, as well as specialist incentives, in line with the workload and inflation.

> Expand healthcare workforce intake – Increase the intake of doctors, dentists, and nurses to alleviate staff shortages, and promote healthier work-life balance, reducing burnout and overwork.

> Provide scholarships for nurses – Extend financial aid for nurses to pursue further training and post-basic qualifications, supporting career advancement besides improving care quality and professionalism.

> Support working mothers with on-site daycare – Intro-duce subsidised affordable daycare centres in hospitals and clinics to support medical personnel with young children, allowing them to continue working without compromising family responsibilities.

> Curb workplace bullying – Implement and enforce clear, zero-tolerance policies against bullying by senior staff. Protect whistleblowers and ensure safe reporting channels across all healthcare facilities.

> Address mental health issues of healthcare workers – Introduce confidential mental health programmes to support frontline staff experiencing stress, burnout, and psychological strain.

While recent government initiatives, such as reducing working hours and offering permanent appointments, are steps in the right direction, deeper structural reforms are needed.

MCA urges the MOH and the Finance Ministry to work closely together in shaping a Budget 2026 that reflects the strategic importance of public healthcare.

DATUK DR MAH HANG SOON

MCA deputy president