00:00An average of three doctors have quit the government service daily over the last five
00:06years, a figure a senator has described as alarming.
00:10In a written reply to Dr. R. A. Lingishwaran, the health ministry said 6,417 permanent and
00:16contractual medical officers resigned between 2019 and 2023.
00:21A total of 1,046 specialists left the government service during the same period, with 63 opting
00:28for early retirement after reaching 50.
00:31The reasons for the departures include better opportunities in the private sector, early
00:36retirement, health issues, personal reasons, career shifts to teaching, and a lack of professional
00:42support.
00:43The former director of Hospital Sungai Bakap said the demanding hours and high stress in
00:48public hospitals, compounded by issues such as bullying, could be taking their toll on
00:52medical professionals.
00:55Lingishwaran also said the proposed increase in medical insurance could lead many to opt
01:00out, further straining already overwhelmed public health institutions.
01:05He proposed that a special committee comprising healthcare stakeholders be formed to find
01:10ways to retain professionals.
01:14Natasha Buzd, FMT News.
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