The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is urging the government to create a national master plan to tackle a critical shortage of healthcare personnel, which threatens the public health system.

MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira stressed the need for data-driven reforms to project staffing needs and retain current workers through better pay, career progression, and addressing non-financial factors like job security. An aging populationwill further strain the system, which already suffers from resignations, retirements, and uneven staff distribution, leading to longer wait times and burnout.

The MMA proposes a national coordinating body and recommends urgent measures including competitive salaries, higher allowances, expanded specialist training, and abolishing the contract system. Public health specialist Dr Malina Osman emphasized the importance of emotional well-being and flexible systems for healthcare workers.