Budget 2026: Offer Of Permanent Medical Positions Help Retain Experienced Workforce

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The offer of permanent positions to contract doctors and nurses who graduated from the Ministry of Health (MOH) Training Institute is a significant step in retaining experienced workers.

Public Health Physician, Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said it also proves the government's commitment to guaranteeing the career and welfare of this group.

"This effort will not only increase the number of permanent positions and reduce the staffing crisis, but will also directly benefit the doctors and nurses involved, thus strengthening the country's health service system," he said when contacted by Bernama.

He was commenting on the Budget 2026 announcement on the offer of permanent positions to 4,500 contract doctors next year as well as permanent nursing positions to 935 graduates of MOH Training Institute.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the Budget 2026 yesterday, said that from 2023 to this year, the MADANI government has approved 1,500 additional positions to absorb contract doctors into permanent positions, making a total of 12,900 contracts absorbed into permanent positions, including annual recruitment.

Dr Zainal Ariffin, an MOH retiree and a public health activist, said that such proposals should also be expanded to other categories such as laboratory, pharmacy and allied health staff to ensure continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of MOH services nationwide.

Johor Doctors Association advisor, Dr Ng Kim Fong said the announcement was good news for all health workers who had long been waiting for stability in their careers.

"With permanent positions, doctors, nurses and pharmacists will have a more secure future. They can plan to continue their studies to build a long-term career in the public sector, thereby reducing the rate of 'brain drain' to the private sector or abroad.

"At the same time, I hope that all other health professions including pharmacists, assistant medical officers and laboratory technologists are also given the same opportunity to be absorbed into permanent positions, in order to create a stronger and better public health system," he said.

Dr Ng, who is also a consultant cardiologist & electrophysiologist at a private hospital, said he also supports the government's move to increase excise duty rates on cigarettes and alcohol.

"As a cardiologist, I always advise patients to quit smoking because it is the main cause of heart disease and excessive alcohol consumption can also affect liver and heart function.

"So this move will not only help reduce unhealthy habits, but also increase funds for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in the country," said Dr Ng who had served at the Ministry of Health for 19 years.

Government Specialist Clinic paediatrician Dr Nur Saliyani Musa said the offer of permanent positions for doctors and nurses showed that the government valued the contributions of young doctors and wanted to resolve the long-standing issue of job instability.

"Employees with job security are usually more enthusiastic about their jobs and this is good for ensuring better quality treatment. It also provides motivation because they will see a more secure future in terms of stability, benefits and promotion opportunities," she said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the MMA acknowledges the government's continued commitment to healthcare, with the highest-ever allocation of RM46.5 billion.

"This reflects recognition of the need to strengthen the system in line with the Health White Paper, and we note key announcements in infrastructure, workforce, and public-private partnerships.

"The creation of 4,500 permanent positions for contract doctors is another positive move that must be matched with proper long-term planning for other critical healthcare roles," he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA