Malaysia’s health care system is grappling with a silent crisis. Doctors, the cornerstone of the nation’s health, are overburdened, undervalued, and increasingly at risk of severe mental health struggles.
Despite their critical role, they are treated no differently than administrative staff under the civil service system, which fails to reflect the unique challenges and sacrifices of the medical profession. This systemic neglect has dire consequences, including suicide among doctors—a problem that seems to be creeping the nation.
An Unfair System For Doctors
The recent 15 per cent salary increase for civil servants underscores the inequities faced by doctors. While sufficient for administrative staff, it barely accounts for the gruelling demands of medical work.
Doctors often endure punishing 36-hour shifts, handle emergencies that involve life-and-death decisions, and face immense emotional strain.
Career progression adds another layer of frustration. Unlike other civil servants, doctors operate in a field where merit, not tenure, should determine growth. Yet, the current system offers little incentive for exceptional performance, leaving many feeling stagnant and unappreciated.
This unsupportive environment is fuelling a mental health crisis. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are rampant among doctors, yet few seek help due to stigma and systemic inaction.
Alarming reports of suicide paint a grim picture. This deliberate masking of the truth denies doctors the acknowledgment and support they desperately need.
A new circular by the Director-General (DG) of Health, instructing house officers to be placed in general medical wards and not subspeciality, was done without a long-term thought process. A house officer (HO) today will be a medical officer (MO) tomorrow.
How would the HO suddenly know overnight how to see referrals from another department or manage a patient admitted in a subspeciality ward when the training only involves them being in a general ward? What is wrong with a rotation system instead to adequately train a HO on various ways of management?
HKL: A Model For Change
Amid this troubling landscape, Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) has emerged as a leader in addressing doctors’ welfare. Initiatives like having a dedicated space for staff to rest—offer a respite from the relentless demands of medical work. They have even counsellors for doctors to talk to and seek solace from their mental burdens.
HKL’s leadership has fostered an environment of open communication, encouraging staff to voice concerns directly to management. Even the cafeteria has been revamped to provide healthier, more appealing meal options for overworked medical professionals.
Additionally, HKL has made significant strides in digitalisation, reducing administrative burden, and enabling doctors to focus more on patient care.
While these changes are localised, they highlight the impact of responsive leadership in alleviating doctors’ struggles.
More recently, HKL hosted delegates from Japan and Australia, who wanted to grasp an understanding on the mechanisms of Emergency Medical Service and diethetic preparation respectively in the hospital.
It is a proud moment for the country when people from abroad visit us to learn how we do things. Pictures of these visits are available on HKL’s Facebook page.
In Newsweek’s ranking of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 – Malaysia, HKL emerged 4th on the list, being the only government hospital in the top 10. The next closest government institution is University Malaya Medical Centre, which is ranked 16th.
Not long ago, our former DG, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, was well recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO). These days, the leadership in Ministry of Health (MOH) Putrajaya exemplifies how “not to do it”, rather than being an example.
A Nationwide Crisis Requires Action
HKL’s efforts should serve as a template for hospitals across the country. Institutional leaders must act decisively to improve doctors’ working conditions, mental health support, and overall well-being.
A Call For National Reform
The constant neglect of doctors demands urgent national attention. Without leaders who understand the realities of medical work, systemic change remains unattainable. Appointing individuals with ground-level experience to top ministry positions could pave the way for policies that genuinely support medical professionals.
If this issue is ignored, the consequences will be devastating. A mental health epidemic among doctors threatens not only the profession, but also the sustainability of Malaysia’s health care system. Suicide, once unthinkable for many, is becoming a tragic reality for doctors in the field.
The Time For Change Is Now
Doctors are not just civil servants—they are the backbone of Malaysia’s health care system. Ensuring fair compensation, addressing mental health challenges, and creating supportive work environments are urgent priorities.
Malaysia must break the silence surrounding doctors’ struggles and act to prevent further tragedies. The future of the nation’s health care depends on it.
The author is a concerned citizen who lives in Kuala Lumpur.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
