MORE than 1,700 government doctors have resigned in the last four years, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.

       “Based on the ministry’s records, between 2017 and June this year, a total of 1,497 contract medical officers resigned,” he told Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor).

       He said 110 medical officers resigned in 2017, 2018 (168), 2019 (475) and 511 last year.

       A total of 514 contract medical officers resigned from January to November this year.

       Dr Noor Azmi said among several reasons given by the doctors who resigned were that they opted to serve at private medical facilities or those managed by statutory bodies.

       “Some resigned to further their studies or were facing health issues. Others resigned to migrate while some chose to leave to open their own private clinic,” he said.

       Dr Dzulkefly also asked if the ministry would include more specialist disciplines under the National Specialist Registry.

       “There are medical officers who pursued their Master’s degree or doctorate and yet are still not recognised under the national registry.

       “Among them are those trained in clinical research physician and medical law,” he said.

       Dr Noor Azmi said a special committee had been tasked to look into this and to engage with young doctors to better understand the issues they face.