Malaysia's current doctor-population ratio has surpassed and is better than one doctor for every 500 people recommended by the World Health Organisation's (WHO), according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said this is because Malaysia currently has 71,041 medical doctors working in both public and private sectors, making a ratio of one doctor for every 454 people.
"This ratio is indeed better that one doctor for every 500 people," he said in reply to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) during question time at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
Dr Dzulkefly had wanted to know the number of doctors serving with the MOH, the doctor-population ratio in Malaysia and whether Malaysia intends to increase the number of doctors so that it will be ideal in line with the WHO's recommendation which is one doctor for every 500 people.
Dr Adham said of the total number of doctors in the country, 73 per cent or 51,912 are medical doctors registered and currently serving with the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Elaborating, the minister said, as of June 30, there are 11,059 dentists in Malaysia, making a ratio of one dentist for every 2,963 people, with 6,530 of them serving with the MOH.
"For pharmacists, there are 19,341 of them working in both public and private sectors, with a ratio of one pharmacist for every 1,694 people. Of the total, 11,616 were registered and serving with the MOH.
Meanwhile, Dr Adham explained that the WHO or any international organisation has never set the healthcare worker-population ratio for any country.
However, he said WHO through the Health Workforce Requirement for Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal Report in 2016 recommended a ratio of at least one healthcare worker (including trained doctors and nurses) for every 225 people.
"WHO states that the ratio is necessary to obtain better universal health coverage at the rate of 80 per cent for services involving mothers and children, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases.
"Malaysia has so far achieved a ratio of one healthcare worker (including trained doctors and nurses) for every 186 people, surpassing WHO's recommendation to obtain universal health coverage," he said.
The minister also said that the MOH always takes steps to increase the training capacity for medical, dental and pharmacy graduates to undergo compulsory training and services.
"This allows them to continue being a medical practitioner either in the public or private sector," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 04 2020
Dr Adham said of the total number of doctors in the country, 73 per cent or 51,912 are medical doctors registered and currently serving with the Ministry of Health (MOH). - FILEpic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.