Kuala lumpur: The Federal Government has been urged to establish a Health Services Commission to recruit, retain, and deploy public-sector healthcare workers while supporting their welfare, remuneration, and career development, according to the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azrul Mohd Khalib, the chief executive officer of the Galen Centre, emphasized that the upcoming Budget 2027 should include a commitment to establish this commission as part of vital healthcare reforms. He pointed out that the aim is to elevate human resource management in the public healthcare sector to the standards expected from responsible private-sector employers. The current system managed by the Public Services Department and Public Service Commission is deemed inadequate, and a dedicated Service Commission for public healthcare workers is necessary.
Azrul highlighted the recent Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash involving a Ministry of Health team in Long Lellang, Sarawak, as a crucial moment for reevaluating the welfare, safety, and working conditions of public healthcare workers. He stressed that healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, assistant medical officers, and allied health professionals, should not face unnecessary hardships, unsafe environments, or insufficient welfare support simply for choosing to serve in the public sector.
Following the tragedy, there has been a surge in public healthcare workers voicing their concerns on social media regarding inadequate accommodation, unreasonable transfers and postings, financial pressures, excessive workloads, and insufficient allowances and welfare support. Azrul noted that these concerns should not be dismissed as mere complaints, as many workers have made significant sacrifices by working long hours, accepting difficult assignments, and being away from their families to ensure patient safety and care.
Azrul proposed that the commission should oversee various aspects such as workforce planning, recruitment, permanent appointments, deployment, remuneration, allowances, occupational safety, health, staff accommodation, welfare, insurance for hazardous duties, grievance mechanisms, career progression, specialist and leadership pathways, and incentives for serving in rural and underserved areas.
He concluded by stating that Malaysia is already facing challenges such as shortages, resignations, declining morale, and burnout among healthcare workers. Clinical staffing cannot be treated like ordinary administrative postings as it directly impacts patient load, waiting times, safety, and service availability.