Housemen to be placed at district hospitals facing doctor shortage, says Dr Dzulkefly

PETALING JAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkelfy Ahmad has instructed housemen to be placed at district hospitals, which are facing a shortage of doctors immediately.

Dzulkefly said he had directed the Health director-general, Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, to take the necessary measures.

“I am aware of and deeply concerned about the grievances faced by the health officers daily.

“It should be emphasised that I have instructed the Health director-general to promptly place the housemen at district hospitals that are in need.

“The mid-term and long-term plans are also being implemented,” he said in a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday (May 16).

Dzulkefly made the posts in response to an image displaying a noticeboard informing about the doctor shortage allegedly occurring at a hospital in Kulim, Kedah.

The noticeboard also apologised for the increased patient waiting times, which could take up to five hours.

“Our doctors are working to the point of exhaustion. Eight doctors are ill but still working. Some have resigned and moved to the private sector.

“We wish to serve the public, but we are also human; we can get tired and sick. We hope everyone understands. Apologies,” the notice read.

Dzulkefly added that he would continue to investigate and act on complaints regarding public health issues while moving ahead with his health reform.

He also said that he welcomes any feedback and criticism from the public.