Kuala lumpur: The Health Ministry (MOH) targets to offer permanent posts to all housemen immediately upon completing their training by 2028, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the target is part of the ministry's ongoing reform agenda through the Inter-Ministerial Joint Task Force (IMJTF). Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the collaborative efforts of a 'whole-of-government' approach in addressing human resource challenges within the healthcare sector. He announced that the ministry aims to absorb 4,500 contract medical officers into permanent roles this year, in addition to approving 800 new positions annually.

Dr Dzulkefly clarified that there is no recruitment freeze despite budget realignments for operating expenditures. The ministry remains on course to fill over 18,000 vacancies across various service schemes by 2026. He further highlighted efforts to enhance working conditions to address burnout among healthcare professionals, acknowledging the complexity and long-term nature of replacing medical specialists.

To address the production of local medical specialists, Dr Dzulkefly has directed the new deputy director-general of Health (Medical) to focus on overhauling related issues. He stressed the importance of establishing a sustainable and world-class training ecosystem for healthcare professionals, whether through local Master's programmes or the Parallel Pathway, aiming to dignify young doctors and ensure a robust healthcare system.