Govt must arrest brain drain of medical specialists, says Dr Mah

The recent announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad regarding the nationwide initiative to place emergency medical specialists in all hospitals by 2028 is a significant step towards improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare in Malaysia. However, while this move is a positive development, several issues must be addressed to ensure its long-term success and prevent unintended consequences, such as brain drain or overburdening healthcare professionals. The government must be well-prepared to prevent a brain drain, where skilled healthcare professionals leave for better opportunities abroad.

A budget must be allocated to ensure that the salaries for these critical workers are competitive enough to retain them. To keep our local talent, the government should consider offering attractive compensation packages, including opportunities for career development and specialisation for fellow Malaysians..