Nearly 7,000 medical officers, specialists quit health ministry since 2018

A total of 6,036 medical officers and 890 specialist doctors at the health ministry resigned from service between 2018 and 2022, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said a total of 1,651 pharmacy officers at the ministry also quit their jobs during the same period.

He said the reasons for their resignations included joining the private sector and statutory bodies, personal reasons, accepting offers to become lecturers at public and private educational institutions, furthering their studies, health problems, migrating abroad and opening their own clinics or pharmacies.

"The health ministry is aware that their resignations were also due to the atmosphere or work environment at the ministry. 

"I see this issue as universal – we cannot prevent them from migrating for better income and a more conducive work environment," he said during the question-and-answer session.

He was responding to a question from Md Nasir Hashim, who asked about the reasons for medical doctors and pharmacists quitting their jobs at government hospitals. 

He said there were also cases where the medical officers resigned because they felt they had been bullied while on duty, as well as due to work pressure.

"In such cases, we are prepared to help them and the ministry is also looking for solutions to address the bullying incidents," he said.