Health Ministry can't tackle healthcare talent migration alone, says Dzulkefly
The Health Minister stated that long-term solutions must involve collaboration across multiple agencies, as highlighted in an independent study by the Strategic Engagement Group (SEG) titled "The Future of Health Workforce in Malaysia".
The study recommended the formation of an inter-ministerial Human Resource for Health (HRH) Governance Board to ensure sustainable workforce planning.
"This is not a challenge the ministry can resolve alone. We need the involvement of the Public Service Department, Finance Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, and the Human Resources Ministry," he said in a statement Saturday (July 12).
Dzulkefly stressed that the Health Ministry is committed to strengthening the healthcare system through ongoing reforms in financing and the adoption of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and other innovations to improve service delivery.
He also noted that as Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia will prioritise healthcare workforce mobility and regional cooperation through deeper engagement with neighbouring countries.
His remarks followed recent claims that hospitals in Singapore were luring Malaysian public healthcare professionals, especially doctors, with attractive salaries.
Speaking earlier on the matter, he said the ministry was taking proactive steps to encourage healthcare workers to remain in the public sector, despite having no legal means to prevent overseas job offers.
Among the key initiatives are speeding up permanent appointments for contract doctors and enhancing workplace conditions to ensure a safer, more equitable, and supportive environment. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Pasir Gudang Hospital To Begin Operations After Achieving 50 Pct Readiness
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Pasir Gudang Hospital (HPG) in Johor will begin operations after it reaches at least 50 per cent readiness, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is carrying out meticulous preparations with the Johor government to ensure basic amenities, medical equipment and human resources are sufficient before the hospital begins operations. "The Johor Menteri Besar and I agreed to ensure that we achieve at least around 50 per cent readiness, not just in terms of the physical building, but also equipment and human resources, before fully operating,' he told a media conference after launching the Malaysian Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 here today. Dzulkefly also said that the hospital staff intake process is expected to be completed by the end of this year or the first quarter of 2026, at the latest. "The state government will try to give whatever assistance it can to the MOH to ensure all human resources supply can be met by at least 50 per cent for us to begin operations,' he said. Previously, the HPG - a 20.6-hectare facility located in Bandar Seri Alam that is equipped with 304 beds and offering 14 specialist services - was reported to be ready to start operating in phases from Aug 1. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly expressed his gratitude following the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday that the government will expedite the filling of over 4,000 positions at public health facilities, including contract appointments for doctors. "We are extremely grateful because we have received 4,253 positions, and just recently received the official letter from the Public Services Commission (SPA) regarding the matter. "We will immediately work on filling the positions, especially to push for the transition of the status of doctors and health workers from contract for service to contract of service and eventually to permanent positions,' he said.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia targets global medical tourism leadership with MYMT 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 was officially launched today to reinforce the country's status as a leading destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad unveiled the campaign under the tagline 'Healing Meets Hospitality,' targeting international healthcare travellers with Malaysia's blend of medical excellence and warm hospitality. 'Malaysia has long been recognised as a preferred destination for medical tourism. In 2024, we recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers, generating RM2.72 billion in revenue, which marks a 21 per cent increase from the previous year,' said Dzulkefly. He noted that Malaysia's global reputation was further cemented when it ranked among the world's top 10 medical tourism destinations by Nomad Capitalist earlier this year. The campaign aligns with Visit Malaysia 2026, aiming to position healthcare as a key economic driver. Dzulkefly projected spillover benefits of RM12 to RM15 billion by 2030 for airlines, hotels, and local businesses. A key initiative under MYMT 2026 is the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, which recognises hospitals for clinical excellence and innovation. Four hospitals—Institut Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre—are in the final assessment stage, with the winner to be announced in December. Adding star power to the campaign, celebrated singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was named official ambassador, embodying trust and compassion—values central to Malaysia Healthcare. Dzulkefly also highlighted Malaysia's leadership role in ASEAN healthcare cooperation, particularly in cross-border care and health equity. 'With our continued commitment and collaboration, I am confident that we will exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in global medical tourism,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Barnama
MYMT 2026 To Boost Malaysia's Position In Global Medical Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 has officially been launched today to strengthen the country's position as a top destination for affordable and high-quality healthcare services. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said with the tagline 'Healing Meets Hospitality', MYMT 2026 aims to attract more international healthcare travellers by highlighting the country's high-quality, affordable medical services, along with its warm hospitality and wellness offerings. "Malaysia has long been recognised as a preferred destination for medical tourism. In 2024, we recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers, generating RM2.72 billion in revenue, which marks a 21 per cent increase from the previous year. 'These figures reflect the growing confidence in our healthcare system," he said in his speech at the launch of the campaign, here. Dzulkefly, who also chairs the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), said the country's international standing in the sector was further reinforced in May this year, when it was ranked among the world's top 10 medical tourism destinations by Nomad Capitalist, alongside regional peers such as Singapore and Thailand. He said the campaign supports the broader goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 by positioning healthcare as a key economic and reputational driver, with the potential to generate between RM12 and RM15 billion by 2030 through spillover benefits to airlines, hotels, transport services, and local communities. Among the highlights of MYMT 2026 is the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, which recognises excellence in clinical care, innovation and international patient services. "Four outstanding hospitals that include Institut Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre are currently in the final stages of assessment. We look forward to announcing the winner in December," he said. The campaign also introduced celebrated singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza as its official ambassador, highlighting her as a symbol of trust, authenticity and compassion - values that reflect the core essence of Malaysia Healthcare.
