DISCUSSIONS are ongoing between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Public Service Department (PSD) over the latter’s decision to stop sponsoring students in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the ministry is prepared to review its 2019 study that projected an oversupply of medical officers from 2026 to 2030. 

“We know there are changes, especially post-Covid-19, so there may be new things that need to be revisited in the study,” she told reporters after launching the Global Adults Tobacco Survey in Port Dickson today. 

The event was attended by Health Director-General Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan and his acting deputy (education and technical support) Dr Fariza Ngah.

Dr Zaliha said the ministry is worried the stoppage would discourage students from continuing studies in medical fields.

Health services are essential, so doctors and other medical professionals are necessary in the country, she said. 

Based on media reports, the PSD decided to stop sponsoring students pursuing studies in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy following an MOH study that  projected an oversupply of medical officers from 2026 to 2030. – Bernama, June 11, 2023.