Malaysia Health Ministry Eyes New Incentives to Retain Specialists

Malaysia's Ministry of Health is exploring new incentives to keep medical specialists in public service, addressing workforce challenges. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the ministry is considering a new reward and incentive structure to retain these experts. A key proposal involves allowing specialists in public health facilities to work as locums in private facilities for up to two days per week, subject to scheduling flexibility.

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We cannot make promises, but we are looking into the possibility of giving them two days to perform locum work in private facilities.

"We cannot make promises, but we are looking into the possibility of giving them two days to perform locum work in private facilities," Dr. Dzulkefly said. He was speaking after the convocation ceremony of the Health Ministry Training Institute (ILKKM) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Regarding the planned placement of 560 permanent medical officers in Sabah this October, Dr. Dzulkefly confirmed that the ministry is enhancing its coordination mechanisms to ensure a more systematic and data-driven process. Sabah and Sarawak are now mandatory placement options through the e-Placement 2.0 system.

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The human resource issue, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, is not just about numbers but the challenge of distribution according to location, facilities, needs, and demand.

"The human resource issue, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, is not just about numbers but the challenge of distribution according to location, facilities, needs, and demand," he explained. "We need to identify the actual matrix of needs in each facility. That is the real challenge."

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We need to identify the actual matrix of needs in each facility. That is the real challenge.

Dr. Dzulkefly acknowledged that many health facilities are operating with double shifts due to staff shortages, including over 10,000 nursing vacancies in the Ministry of Health facilities. A comprehensive approach is being developed to tackle extreme fatigue and workload among health workers. "We are also looking at other approaches and trying to think outside the box," he said. "For example, integrated clinical management and care can be implemented involving health clinics and hospitals, including sharing expertise and nursing staff."

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We are also looking at other approaches and trying to think outside the box.