13,000 doctors’ posts vacant, including 1,660 specialist positions
Malaysia's health ministry reports over 13,000 vacant doctor positions as of mid-2024, driven by resignations to the private sector and migration. The government is attempting to mitigate this through permanent appointments and task force reviews.
Why it matters
The staffing crisis highlights significant challenges in public healthcare retention and service delivery in Malaysia.
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said 4,500 contract doctors were offered permanent appointments this year to address staffing shortages. (Envato Elements pic)
PETALING JAYA: A total of 13,072 doctor positions in the health ministry remained vacant as of June 30, comprising 1,660 specialist posts and 11,412 non-specialist positions, said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Dzulkefly said 3,510 medical officers resigned between 2024 and 2026, comprising 1,252 permanent and 2,258 contract doctors.
Of those who resigned, 51.4% left for the private sector, while 36.8% cited personal reasons, and 4.5% joined statutory bodies.
Another 2.9% left to work or settle overseas, 2.6% resigned for health reasons, 1.5% pursued further studies, and 0.3% opened their own clinics.
He also said eight medical specialists had resigned or migrated overseas.
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