BETWEEN 2018 and 2022, 6,036 medical officers and 890 specialist doctors signed with the Health Ministry (MOH) resigned, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni told the Dewan Negara today. 

He said 1,651 pharmacy officers at the ministry also quit in the same period. 

He said among the reasons for their resignation were to join the private sector or statutory bodies, for personal reasons, to become lecturers, to further their studies, health problems, to migrate abroad, and or to open their own practice. 

“MOH is aware their resignations could also be due to the atmosphere or work environment at the ministry. I see this issue as universal, we cannot prevent them from migrating for better income and a more conducive work environment,” he said during the question-and-answer session.

He was responding to a question from Md Nasir Hashim who wanted to know the reasons medical doctors and pharmacists were quitting their jobs at government hospitals. 

Lukanisman said there have been cases where medical officers resign because they were bullied while on duty, as well as due to work pressure.

“In such cases, we are prepared to help them. The ministry is also looking for solutions to address bullying incidents,” he said. – Bernama, March 22, 2023.