Malaysia Ministry of Health reports 13,072 doctor vacancies

Malaysia’s Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, has revealed that 13,072 medical positions within the Ministry of Health (KKM) remained vacant as of June 30. This figure includes 11,412 non-specialist medical officer roles and 1,660 specialist positions.

Between 2024 and 2026, the ministry recorded 3,510 resignations, consisting of 1,252 permanent and 2,258 contract medical officers. The primary driver for these departures is the private sector, which accounted for 51.4% of resignations. Other cited reasons include personal factors (36.8%), service with statutory bodies (4.5%), working or residing overseas (2.9%), health issues (2.6%), further studies (1.5%), and opening private clinics (0.3%).

To mitigate staffing shortages, the ministry has appointed 14,064 permanent and 9,847 contract medical officers during the specified period, with 4,500 contract doctors offered permanent appointments this year. Additionally, the Public Services Department established a task force in April to examine staffing issues, and the Ministry of Health has been granted increased authority to manage and distribute approved positions to accelerate recruitment.