Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said 4,500 contract doctors were offered permanent appointments this year to address staffing shortages. (Envato Elements pic)PETALING JAYA: A total of 13,072 doctor positions in the health ministry remained vacant as of June 30, comprising 1,660 specialist posts and 11,412 non-specialist positions, said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Dzulkefly said 3,510 medical officers resigned between 2024 and 2026, comprising 1,252 permanent and 2,258 contract doctors.
Of those who resigned, 51.4% left for the private sector, while 36.8% cited personal reasons, and 4.5% joined statutory bodies.
Another 2.9% left to work or settle overseas, 2.6% resigned for health reasons, 1.5% pursued further studies, and 0.3% opened their own clinics.
