2,518 medical officers quit from 2024 to June 2026

 However, just 71, or less than 3%, resigned from the public healthcare service to work abroad.

The issue of brain drain involving medical officers is not unique to Malaysia but occurs throughout the world, especially among developing nations, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A total of 2,518 medical officers had resigned from the public healthcare service between January 2024 and June this year, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

However, Dzulkefly said, just 71 medical officers, or less than 3% of the total, resigned to work overseas.

The minister said the issue of brain drain involving medical officers is not unique to Malaysia but occurs throughout the world, especially among developing nations.

These doctors often relocate due to the better salary packages, career opportunities, and work environments offered in high-income nations, which also have stronger currencies.

Dzulkefly added that labour mobility was an unavoidable reality for any country that practises democracy and has an open economy.

“It is the personal decision of medical officers to relocate based on various factors.

“At the same time, talent recruitment by the private sector or registered foreign talent recruitment agencies is permitted, subject to compliance with the laws and regulations in force in Malaysia,” he said in a written parliamentary reply responding to V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang). - FMT