Public Healthcare Under Pressure Budget 2026 Must Boost Workforce Upgrade Facilities

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MCA has called for a significant increase in Budget 2026 allocations for the Ministry of Health beyond the RM45.3 bil allocated in Budget 2025, saying the additional funding must prioritise workforce sustainability, employee remuneration and facility upgrades.
Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said this in response to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s statement on Thursday (Aug 7) that over 2,000 experienced doctors and nurses with more than five years of service had resigned from the MOH between 2022 and 2024.
This highlighted a critical challenge for our healthcare system which is to retain talent amid growing demands.
“This wave of departures comes as public hospitals and clinics are increasingly stretched due to a rising cost of living and an ageing population that depends heavily on government healthcare services,” said Dr Mah.
“With private medical costs and insurance premiums becoming unaffordable for many, more Malaysians are seeking treatment in public facilities. Unfortunately, the healthcare workforce is shrinking, and infrastructure is under mounting pressure.”
Dr Mah further recommended the following measures:
Upgrade public medical facilities
Many hospitals and clinics are overcrowded, under-equipped, and in disrepair with one even affected by water supply disruption. Budget 2026 must allocate funds to repair and modernise infrastructure and digital systems, especially in high-demand areas.
Enhance remuneration and incentives
To retain skilled professionals, the government must raise emoluments, locum and hardship allowances, as well as specialist incentives, in line with the workload and inflation.
Expand healthcare workforce intake
Increase the intake of doctors, dentists, and nurses to alleviate staff shortages and promote healthier work-life balance, reducing burnout and overwork.
Provide scholarships for nurses
Extend financial aid for nurses to pursue further training and post-basic qualifications, supporting career advancement besides improving care quality and professionalism.
Support working mothers with on-site daycare
Introduce subsidised affordable daycare centres in hospitals and clinics to support medical personnel with young children, allowing them to continue working without compromising family responsibilities.
Curb workplace bullying
Implement and enforce clear, zero-tolerance policies against bullying by senior staff. Protect whistleblowers and ensure safe reporting channels across all healthcare facilities.
Address mental health of healthcare workers
Introduce confidential mental health programmes to support frontline staff experiencing stress, burnout, and psychological strain.
“While recent government initiatives such as reducing working hours and offering permanent appointments are steps in the right direction, deeper structural reforms are needed,” Dr Mah stressed.
“MCA urges MOH and the Ministry of Finance to work closely together in shaping a Budget 2026 that reflects the strategic importance of public healthcare.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

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