Health Ministry to Propose Merging Dental, Pharmacy Roles Under Single Framework

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysia’s Health Ministry to Push for Permanent Status for Contract Dentists and Pharmacists, Seeking RM100 Million for NCD Fight

The initiative follows the government’s recent decision to grant permanent status to contract medical doctors, with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirming that dentists and pharmacists will be next in line under a separate recruitment quota.

The announcement comes as the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) has previously urged the government to address the precarious employment status of contract dental officers, particularly after reports emerged of professionals having their contracts terminated without renewal. Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged these concerns, stating that the MOH would continue prioritising the welfare and professional development of these officers, whose contributions to public healthcare remain vital.

The permanent absorption of dental and pharmacy officers will be implemented through a dedicated quota distinct from the 9,000 permanent medical doctor positions allocated under Budget 2027, ensuring dedicated resources for these professions. The minister revealed this during an appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme, where he discussed broader healthcare reforms, including a RM100 million seed allocation sought from the Ministry of Finance to bolster non-communicable disease (NCD) management at the primary healthcare level.

Dr Dzulkefly emphasised that NCDs—such as diabetes and hypertension—pose a growing threat to Malaysia’s public health, requiring sustained investment in prevention, early screening, diagnosis, and long-term treatment. The proposed allocation aligns with global best practices, including benchmarks from Singapore and Indonesia, where primary healthcare systems prioritise chronic disease control. He noted that while the PeKa B40 programme, aimed at low-income households, has received RM80 million, NCD management demands a broader, systemic approach.

“Matters related to NCD management are a major component of the reforms I am driving,” the minister said. “This isn’t just about initial screening—it’s about continuous diagnosis, treatment, and control for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.” He stressed that without adequate funding, Malaysia risks falling behind in addressing what he described as a “chronic disease pandemic,” particularly as the burden of NCDs continues to rise among the population.

The push for permanent appointments for dental and pharmacy officers reflects broader efforts to stabilise Malaysia’s public healthcare workforce, which has faced recurring challenges with contract-based hiring. The MOH’s approach mirrors its earlier resolution for medical doctors, where permanent positions were created to retain skilled professionals and improve service continuity.

However, the separate quota for dentists and pharmacists signals recognition of their distinct roles in the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that their recruitment does not compete with medical doctor allocations.

Industry stakeholders, including the MDA, have long advocated for structural changes to contract-based employment in healthcare, citing job insecurity and brain drain as key issues. The MDA’s previous calls for permanent appointments gained traction after the government’s decision on medical doctors, setting a precedent for other healthcare disciplines. Dr Dzulkefly’s confirmation that the MOH will proceed with similar measures for dentists and pharmacists suggests a deliberate effort to address systemic gaps in workforce planning.

Beyond permanent appointments, the RM100 million request for NCD management underscores the financial constraints facing Malaysia’s healthcare system. While Budget 2027 has allocated significant funds to medical doctor recruitment, chronic disease prevention remains underfunded compared to acute care services. The minister’s benchmarking against Singapore and Indonesia highlights regional disparities in healthcare expenditure, where NCDs account for a substantial portion of national health budgets.

The next steps for the proposal will depend on the Ministry of Finance’s approval, with Dr Dzulkefly indicating that the process will follow a “reasonable timeframe” similar to the medical doctor absorption plan. Meanwhile, the RM100 million seed allocation for NCDs will require Cabinet endorsement, with the minister expressing optimism that the request will be prioritised given the escalating public health impact of chronic illnesses.

As Malaysia grapples with an ageing population and rising NCD prevalence, the MOH’s dual initiatives—permanentising contract staff and expanding NCD funding—represent critical steps toward a more sustainable healthcare workforce and disease management framework. The outcomes of these proposals will be closely watched by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients alike, as they could set new standards for workforce stability and preventive care in the region.

Related: Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad · Kuala Lumpur