Health Ministry to Implement Rotation System for Medical Officers to Address Worker Shortages
Introduction
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to implement a rotation system for medical officers to improve the placement process in rural and urban areas and address worker shortages. This move is aimed at reducing excessive stress and protecting the mental health of medical staff.
Rotation System
Deputy Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that the rotation system is being considered to ensure that medical officers are not stationed in a single location for an extended period. For example, a doctor stationed in Miri and assigned to Long Semado or Long Bemang in Baram will be rotated to another location. This will help to reduce burnout and improve work-life balance for medical staff.
Addressing Shortages
The Ministry of Health has created 16,347 new positions in the healthcare sector this year, including 1,500 additional posts for medical officers annually, to address the shortage. This move is aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors in rural regions and specific states.
Staff Resignations
In response to Senator Dr RA Lingeswaran’s query about forming a committee to address staff resignations, Lukanisman stated that the ministry is considering it. However, resignations are often influenced by personal choices. He cited instances where contract officers, offered permanent positions in East Coast states and Sabah and Sarawak, opted to stay in Peninsular Malaysia instead.
Healthcare Staffing Data
As of September 30, the health ministry’s staffing data showed a total of 299,672 healthcare personnel, including 266,898 permanent staff and 32,774 on contract. The breakdown is as follows:
- 7,720 medical specialists
- 44,030 medical officers
- 7,626 dental officers
- 12,775 pharmacists
- 70,075 nurses
- 9,798 assistant medical officers
- The remainder includes staff from other service schemes
Conclusion
The Ministry of Health’s plan to implement a rotation system for medical officers is a step in the right direction to address worker shortages and reduce stress among medical staff. The creation of new positions and the consideration of a committee to address staff resignations are also positive moves. However, the root cause of the doctor shortage in hospitals and clinics needs to be addressed promptly to ensure the health and well-being of patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the rotation system?
A: The purpose of the rotation system is to reduce excessive stress and protect the mental health of medical staff by ensuring they are not stationed in a single location for an extended period.
Q: What is the current number of healthcare personnel in the health ministry?
A: As of September 30, the health ministry has a total of 299,672 healthcare personnel, including 266,898 permanent staff and 32,774 on contract.
Q: What is the breakdown of healthcare personnel by profession?
A: The breakdown is as follows: 7,720 medical specialists, 44,030 medical officers, 7,626 dental officers, 12,775 pharmacists, 70,075 nurses, and 9,798 assistant medical officers, with the remainder including staff from other service schemes.