KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,036 medical officers and 890 specialist doctors at the Health Ministry (MoH) resigned from service between 2018 and last year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today (March 22).
Deputy Health Minister Senator Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 1,651 pharmacy officers at the ministry also quit their job during the same period.
He said the reasons included joining the private sector and statutory bodies, accepting offers to become lecturers, furthering their studies, health problems, migrating abroad and opening their own clinic or pharmacy.
"MoH is also aware that their resignation is also 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.
He was responding to Senator Ir Md Nasir Hashim who asked why medical doctors and pharmacists quit their jobs at government hospitals.
However, Lukanisman said there were also cases where medical officers had resigned because they felt bullied while on duty, as well as due to work pressure.
"In such cases, we are prepared to help them and the ministry is also looking for solutions to address bullying," he said. — Bernama