MOH FINALISING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS TO ENSURE ETHICAL RECRUITMENT OF MALAYSIAN HEALTHCARE WORKERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) is finalising bilateral agreements with several countries, including Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Australia, to ensure that the recruitment of Malaysian healthcare workers abroad is conducted ethically and does not affect the capacity of the country’s public health system.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move was in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

“This code provides guidance to member countries in managing cross-border recruitment of healthcare workers so that its implementation is more ethical and minimises the impact on the source countries, which are usually developing nations.

“... while also safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers who migrate,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the policy stage for the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Commenting on the recruitment of Malaysian healthcare personnel by Singapore, Dr Dzulkefly explained that the process was conducted by private agencies in that country.

“I have contacted Singapore’s Health Minister, and he confirmed that this was done by private agencies, not the ministry itself. He also expressed his regret over the matter and assured that it would not recur,” he said.

At the same time, Dr Dzulkefly said the perception that working abroad was always more rewarding was not entirely accurate, as there had also been a return flow of local specialists to Malaysia.

“In fact, between 2021 and 2025, a total of 73 Malaysian medical specialists working overseas have returned — three rejoined the MOH, while 70 resumed service in the private sector and statutory bodies.

“What is important is that we continue improving our service schemes, career pathways and remuneration. This is an ongoing effort,” he said.

On digitalisation, Dr Dzulkefly said MOH is expanding the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system by 2029, with the use of cloud computing enabling the digitalisation process at clinics to be shortened from up to six months to just three days.

He said that as of Oct 17, a total of 160 clinics had been digitalised, while another 2,489 primary healthcare facilities were expected to complete the process by 2026.

On manpower needs in Sabah and Sarawak, Dr Dzulkefly said 1,315 permanent positions had been offered as of Oct 17, but only 47 per cent had reported for duty. Therefore, he said at least one placement option was now required in Labuan, Sabah or Sarawak.

On facility development, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry was prioritising the upgrading of health clinics over the construction of new hospitals.

This includes upgrading the Maran Health Clinic to a Type 2 facility due to the unavailability of a suitable site for a new hospital, and the merging of the Pahi Health Clinic and Kuala Krai District Health Office (PKD) in Kelantan into a district health complex, he said.

The sitting resumes tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA