Malaysia faces 13,000 doctor vacancies as resignations surge, ministry reports
A parliamentary reply revealed that 13,000 medical posts are vacant, including 1,660 specialist roles, after thousands of doctors left between 2024 and 2026.
In a written response to a parliamentary question, Dzulkefly reported that 3,510 medical officers quit between 2024 and 2026, creating 13,000 vacant posts, including 1,660 specialist positions. More than half of the leavers joined the private sector, while others left for personal reasons, overseas work, health issues, further study or private practice. The ministry countered by appointing 14,064 permanent and 9,847 contract doctors, and this year converted 4,500 contract doctors to permanent roles.
A public-services-department task force is reviewing the staffing crisis, and the ministry now has greater authority to allocate approved positions quickly. Six government hospitals met a target of treating at least 70% of non-emergency patients within two hours, with Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital achieving a 98.61% rate. Extended hours at selected health clinics have cut patient numbers at major hospitals by 9%, easing emergency department crowding.
Why it matters
The doctor shortage threatens timely medical care for millions of Malaysians.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth centrist and right-leaning coverage report the same vacancy figures, resignation reasons, and ministry actions with no substantive difference.
CENTER
Presents the vacancy statistics and ministry's staffing response in a straightforward, factual manner
RIGHT
Emphasizes the scale of the shortages and the ministry's authority to allocate positions while noting the task-force review
The right emphasises
- 13,072 vacant medical officer posts as of June 30
- over half of leavers joined the private sector, with personal reasons also cited
- a task force is examining staffing and the ministry has greater authority to manage positions
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