Improve junior doctors’ welfare for a stronger healthcare system

The welfare of junior doctors in Malaysia must be strengthened to ensure a sustainable and effective public healthcare system. The RM3.06bil cut to the Health Ministry threatens the welfare of medical staff in an already overstretched healthcare system. With severe shortages of specialists and nurses, reduced funding could increase workloads, worsen burnout, and lower staff morale. This added pressure may also affect the quality of patient care and prolong waiting times in public hospitals.

Although the ministry has announced plans to introduce a new circular on working hours, MCA believes more comprehensive reforms are needed to create a healthier and more supportive working environment for junior doctors and proposes the following measures to be taken by the MOH: