KUALA LUMPUR: The migration of medical officers overseas can be viewed more positively, says Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia director Professor Datuk Dr Razman Jarmin.
He said Malaysia's medical programme had proven to produce world-class doctors that could practise in developed countries.
"Although it looks like we are losing an investment, it is an opportunity for them to gain experience and career opportunities, and hopefully they will come back with the new skills and expertise to serve the country.
"However, if they leave because of negative sentiments such as not having career opportunities or working in a negative working environment, then this should be a wake-up call for policymakers.
"Other relevant authorities must also take action before it turns worse and eventually affects the delivery of healthcare in our country," he told the 'New Straits Times'.
Dr Razman said the number of medical graduates had exponentially increased compared with the number of posts available for housemen training.
The training is compulsory in order for them to receive a full practising certificate in Malaysia, as mandated by the Malaysian Medical Council.
"The so-called waiting list upon graduation, which can be as long as nine months, was developed due to the limited number of houseman postings while waiting for existing ones to finish their training.
"As it is now, the new medical programme for any new local universities has been withheld because of too many medical graduates being produced."
He said several doctors' complaints stemmed from the contract post being converted into the medical officer post following the completion of the houseman training.
"Regarding the contract medical doctors' career pathway, the Health Ministry had also allowed them to pursue the post-graduate programme through the Clinical Master's programme and parallel pathway programme.
"Although this is not a permanent solution, at least this approach will allow the contract doctors to pursue their career.
"Effort has also been made to increase the capacity for post-graduate training in local universities by creating more training posts or developing more programmes according to the country's demand.
"However, this matter needs to be addressed properly because a lot of factors need to be considered, which include adequate numbers of trainers, supervisors, adequate training facilities, and case-mix distribution," he said.
Dr Razman also proposed using other health facilities, such as private facilities, for the training requirements, such as the KPJ University post-graduate training programme.
"Currently, the opportunity for a medical officer to pursue his or her studies is available in the country.
"However, planning must be done for the development of their career pathway.
"Other than personal medical career development needs, we also have to consider the nation's priority in delivering the best healthcare to the people."
On the negative workplace environment, Dr Razman said it was a recurring matter that needed to be taken seriously.
"A special taskforce has been set up by the Health Ministry over the past year to assess the workplace environment following multiple complaints received from the junior medical officers.
"The report has not been made public, but hopefully the report and recommendations given can be used to improve the workplace.
"Every sector needs to address this matter and ensure it is being handled accordingly before it escalates."
Unless it is an isolated case requiring a specific internal investigation, he believes the entire system needs to be overhauled.
He said department heads and senior consultants should play a significant role in guiding junior medical officers in their career development.
He said medical courses in universities could include professional conduct and ethics training or other relevant modules in the curriculum.
"This will equip the graduates with enough preparation before joining the medical workforce and reduce the risk of demotivation."