“Affordable, accessible and people-centred” was how the World Health Organisation (WHO) described Malaysian Healthcare. From home visits to telemedicine, the country has achieved many advancements in the industry. So much so that many people overseas seek treatment here.
Yet, why is the industry still struggling with the unfavourable working conditions and the lack of healthcare professionals?
Let’s hear from the Malaysian doctors we spoke to.
- They have 3 – 16 years of experience
- Their experience ranges from general practitioners to anesthesiology specialist
- They are based in different parts of Malaysia, including KL, Sabah and Penang
*All names have been changed to protect privacy.
What’s Happening To Malaysian Healthcare?
In a poll by Codeblue, 7 out of 10 doctors shared their thoughts about leaving the field while many others are willing to go on strike. Meanwhile, patients suffer a 2-day wait for a hospital bed at government hospitals. Why is that?
“We are lacking doctors”
Manpower shortage is one of the main culprits for stretching the hospitals thin. Unfortunately, it is a vicious cycle of the lack of staff with
- Rising patient demand and workload
- Increased interest in non-science streams studies and careers
- Lack of permanent positions offered by the Health Ministry (MoH)
- “Brain drain”, a.k.a doctors finding prospects overseas
Moreover, both patients and doctors suffer the negative impact of the shortage. At a Penang Hospital, over 1,000 patients were placed on a long waiting list for heart surgery and the delay caused 1 death per week.
Meanwhile, the practitioners swallow more work. 3rd-year doctor, Dr Wei* shared that her colleagues in the anesthesiology department face pre-med, ICU calls and overtime.
“Demanding Work Hours”
Another impact manpower shortage has on the medical staff is increased workload and working hours. While the average working adult works up to 48 hours weekly, doctors in Malaysian healthcare are pushed to work up to twice or thrice the length!
“On paper, our working hours are 40 to 50 hours a week. But in reality, many of us overshoot that daily” says Dr Ann*, 4th year doctor.
In addition, pack schedules are a norm, even for specialists like Dr Alan*. Her day involves both office hours and 24-hour on-call duties.
Longer hours mean more overtime pay, right?
“Underpaid And Lack Job Security”
Dr Wei*: “I hate it when people say that doctors are rich. My on-call pay is just RM8 per hour.”
To many, one should study medicine for a stable income and job. But, their ideal scenario does not happen in the short term. Government staffers reportedly receive RM 9 per hour on weekends.
According to Dr Ann, contract doctors and permanent staff do not share equal perks despite the equal workload. They are not guaranteed a permanent placement either. With the 2016 contract system in place, they also have limited chances for career advancement and further study.
If being a doctor means having your career, health and relationships hang in the balance, why stay? Why study medicine? There are more reasons to call it quits. Yet, these doctors still chose medicine because…
“It is a fulfilling profession.”
Dr Wei*: “Seeing an 80-year-old aunty able to sit up and do rehab exercises was one of my favourite moments.”
For first-year doctors, the experience gives them much-needed confidence! When starting, new graduates are often unsure and still learning. Hence, feedback and moments like these become reference points for making the right judgement. Slowly but surely, they will become full-fledged medical professionals.
Speaking of feedback
“My patients thank me”
A doctor’s grind often goes unnoticed. Behind the curtains, they face uncomfortable situations, including blood, patient complaints and sometimes deaths. They put in physical labour and mental work to provide the best care. So, a simple ‘thank you’ or friendly chat makes their day.
While doctors only spend a short time with their patients, every interaction is just as special. They connect with people and learn valuable lessons with each new case.
“My favourite part is saving lives”
In Malaysia, the DOSM reported that 9 out of the 10 principal death causes are non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This ongoing battle with chronic disease is daunting, isn’t it? Which is why saving lives is impactful.
For Dr Shahira, seeing how doctors saved lives in her childhood inspired her to study medicine. She bravely fought against her chronic asthma, attended her classes and completed her degree! Similarly, many others stayed on in hopes of helping other rakyats get back on their feet. (Source: mstar.com.my)
The Takeaway?
Is spending 10 years of studying and many more years providing patient care worth it?
Dr. Alan*: “Yes. It’s always been my interest. If you are interested and passionate about the profession, go for it. There are many opportunities out there, like R&D, specialisation and general practice. ”
For Dr Alan* and the other doctors, their willpower triumphs over the struggles. The relief they felt after providing a successful treatment is indescribable. It is truly an honour to hear their tales.
For all new students, see you at the starting line. One day, you could hear your “thank you” or “I’m glad that you are here to help” too.
Want To Join These Malaysian Doctors?
Despite the hurdles, the profession is worth every blood, sweat and tears.
If you are ready to study medicine, connect with our counsellors and
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