Last year, over 7,700 contract medical officers and nurses were given permanent positions, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage healthcare professionals to stay in the public sector, addressing the issue of doctors and nurses resigning, which disrupts operations in government hospitals. The minister highlighted several measures to retain staff, including salary adjustments for civil servants, which also benefit doctors and nurses. Salaries were increased by 8% in December 2024 and another 7% in January 2025. Additionally, the On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) was increased by approximately 40% from October 1, 2024, with on-call payments now ranging from RM110 to RM350 per night, up from RM80 to RM250 previously. Specialist Incentive Payments and Pre-Publication Specialist Incentive Payments ranging from RM2,200 to RM3,100 per month were also introduced. Various other initiatives, such as the E-Placement System and the Mutual Exchange System, provide additional incentives for healthcare personnel. As Health Minister, Dr Dzulkefly is committed to continuously improving the welfare and incentives of healthcare workers.
