Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad’s recent announcement regarding an increment in doctors’ on-call allowances sparked outrage among health care workers nationwide.
Proudly declaring an increase of RM55 to RM65, Dzulkefly boasted that the allowance for on-call shifts had been raised to RM255 to RM265. While on paper, this seems like a step forward, the reality is that the hourly rate barely changes from RM9.16 to a meager RM10 to RM11 per hour.
This insultingly small increment reveals how out of touch the Ministry of Health (MOH) is with the financial realities faced by doctors. Worse still, this so-called “increment” has not even been implemented, with doctors still receiving the previous rate of RM200 for weekday and RM220 for weekend on-calls.
The disparity between public statements and ground realities raises serious questions about the honesty and accountability of the health minister. Why make such empty promises? Are these hollow assurances meant to pacify an increasingly disillusioned workforce?
The MOH’s failure to deliver on these promises not only undermines the trust of its health care workers, but also exemplifies its persistent neglect of their welfare.
A System Stuck In The Past
Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, former Health director-general who is currently clinical advisor to the health minister and MOH, did not mince words at a recent town hall, where he labeled Malaysia’s health care system as “stuck in the last century.”
He described the MOH as a “disaster” operating in silos and that MOH failed to learn critical lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. His damning assessment highlights the systemic inefficiencies plaguing the ministry, which prioritises bureaucracy over meaningful reform.
Malaysia’s health care system faces a litany of challenges: outdated policies, insufficient funding, and poor resource allocation. But perhaps the most glaring issue is the government’s inability to address the root cause of the ongoing health care crisis — the mistreatment and underpayment of its doctors.
The Brain Drain Epidemic
The consequences of the government’s inaction are painfully clear: Malaysia’s health care sector is experiencing a massive brain drain.
Every year, thousands of doctors leave the public service to work overseas or join the private sector, where the pay and working conditions are significantly better. This exodus is a direct result of the government’s refusal to offer competitive salaries and adequate support.
The current salary scheme for doctors in Malaysia is woefully inadequate compared to neighboring countries like Singapore and Brunei. For instance, a junior doctor in Malaysia earns only a fraction of what their counterparts make in these countries, despite working equally grueling hours.
Health care is not cheap, and if the government wants to retain its talent, it must provide fair compensation.
Broken Promises And Growing Disillusionment
The recent allowance increment debacle is symptomatic of a larger issue: a lack of genuine commitment to improving the welfare of health care workers.
Young doctors are increasingly disillusioned, viewing strikes and protests as futile efforts in a system that refuses to listen. Instead of fighting a losing battle, many opt to leave the public sector altogether, exacerbating the already critical manpower shortage.
The solution is glaringly obvious — adjust the current salary and benefits scheme to reflect the true value of the work performed by health care professionals. A meaningful pay raise, coupled with better working conditions, would not only boost morale, but also encourage doctors to stay in the system.
The Financial Realities Of Health Care Work
A closer examination of the financial struggles faced by doctors reveals the extent of the problem. On-call shifts often last for 24 hours, during which doctors are expected to be at their peak performance despite the grueling hours.
The current on-call allowance, even with the proposed increment, does little to compensate for the physical and mental toll of these shifts. This is not just an issue of fairness but also one of patient safety. Fatigued doctors are more prone to errors, which can have catastrophic consequences for patients.
Furthermore, the rising cost of living in Malaysia has only worsened the situation. Many young doctors find it challenging to make ends meet, especially those posted in urban areas where housing and transportation costs are significantly higher. For these doctors, the MOH’s empty promises feel like a slap in the face.
International Comparisons: A Stark Contrast
When compared to other countries, Malaysia’s treatment of its doctors is appalling. In Singapore, doctors receive significantly higher salaries and enjoy better working conditions.
Similarly, in countries like the Singapore, Brunei, United Kingdom and Australia, health care workers are compensated fairly and provided with adequate support systems. These nations recognise the value of their medical professionals and invest in their welfare. Malaysia, on the other hand, seems content to exploit its doctors while offering little in return.
This disparity is particularly disheartening, given Malaysia’s aspirations to be a regional leader in health care. How can the country hope to achieve this goal when its health care workers are fleeing to greener pastures?
The government’s lack of foresight and unwillingness to invest in its workforce will only lead to further decline in the quality of health care services.
The Human Cost Of Inaction
Beyond the statistics and financial figures lies the human cost of the MOH’s inaction. Doctors are not just workers; they are individuals who dedicate their lives to saving others. They endure long hours, sleepless nights, and immense stress, often at the expense of their own health and well-being.
Yet, their sacrifices go unrecognised, and their pleas for better treatment fall on deaf ears.
The psychological toll of this neglect cannot be overstated. Burnout, depression, and anxiety are rampant among health care workers, many of whom feel trapped in a system that neither values nor supports them. For some, the only escape is to leave the profession altogether, depriving Malaysia of their expertise and experience.
A Call For Change
To rebuild trust and prevent further deterioration of the health care system, the MOH must take immediate and decisive action. Here are some key recommendations:
- Implement Salary Reforms: Introduce a competitive salary scheme that aligns with international standards. A 30 per cent to 40 per cent salary increase for all health care workers would be a good starting point.
- Increase On-Call Allowances: The current rates are unacceptable. On-call allowances should reflect the grueling nature of the job, with a minimum rate of RM25 per hour for a 24-hour shift.
- Provide Clear Timelines: Any announced changes must come with a clear implementation timeline to avoid further erosion of trust.
- Address Systemic Issues: The MOH needs to overhaul its archaic structures and adopt a more modern, transparent approach to governance.
- Recognise the Value of Health Care Workers: Public acknowledgment of the hard work and sacrifices made by health care professionals, coupled with tangible rewards, is essential to restoring morale.
- Invest in Training and Development: Ensure that doctors have access to continuous professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
- Enhance Work-Life Balance: Introduce measures to reduce workload and prevent burnout, such as adequate staffing and flexible working hours.
Conclusion
The MOH’s neglect of doctors’ welfare and its failure to implement promised reforms are not just administrative oversights — they are betrayals of the very people who form the backbone of Malaysia’s health care system.
If Dzulkefly and his ministry continue down this path of dishonesty and inaction, the consequences will be catastrophic. Malaysia’s doctors deserve better, and it’s high time the government got its priorities straight.
Without immediate reforms, the future of Malaysia’s health care system looks bleak, and the nation risks losing its brightest medical minds to more supportive and rewarding environments abroad.
The government must understand that health care is an investment, not an expense. By valuing and supporting its doctors, Malaysia can build a robust and sustainable health care system that benefits everyone. The time for empty promises is over; it’s time for action.
The author is a medical officer at a government hospital in the Klang Valley. CodeBlue is giving the author anonymity because civil servants are prohibited from writing to the press.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
