By DayakDaily Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22: The Health Ministry (MOH) is not taking lightly the resignation of over 6,000 doctors in the last five years, says its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to Bernama, Dr Dzulkefly said the number included 3,200 contract medical officers (MO) who resigned to move to permanent positions, with some moving to the academic field, hence still contributing to the public health sector.
“I admit and am aware that the Health Ministry lacks staff, resulting in some personnel being burdened with more duties.
“However, I will make sure all these issues will be addressed and dealt with in my second term as the health minister,” he said in a Facebook post.
He said this in response to nephrology consultant Dr Rafidah Abdullah who wants to know what are the ministry’s plans and strategies in dealing with the issue.
He said the ministry could not prevent MOs and medical experts from moving to the private sector, despite the strategies implemented to retain them.
In the medium term, he said changes are expected to take place with the initiative of the Rakan KKM Partnership, which carries the prospect of better rewards and upgraded health facilities.
“It will be achieved through cross-subsidisation by new income from ‘#RakanKKM premium economic services’ and is expected to increase the incentive for them to remain in the public sector.
“The short-term measures include salary increase and adjustment, more flexible work schedules, and allowing locum practices,” he said.
He added that the ministry remains committed to improving work-life balance and the welfare of medical professionals. — DayakDaily
