Malaysia healthcare workforce management reforms

The Malaysian Health Ministry has initiated several proposals to improve human resource management and professional welfare within the public healthcare sector.

Initially, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad proposed absorbing contract dental and pharmacy officers into permanent positions to secure their professional futures. This initiative follows a similar model previously applied to contract medical doctors. Alongside this, the Minister requested approximately RM100 million to bolster the management of non-communicable diseases at the primary healthcare level.

Subsequently, the Ministry expanded its reform agenda by committing to establish a Health Service Commission (SPK) before the end of the 15th Parliament. The SPK is intended to oversee appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions for 86 service schemes, including nurses, paramedics, and medical officers. While the commission would manage personnel matters, the Minister clarified that the authority to create positions or determine remuneration remains with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Department. To facilitate this transition, the Ministry has begun engagement sessions with central agencies and is implementing interim measures such as increasing the On-Call Allowance (ETAP) in 2025.