By Zaki MS
IPOH – The shortage of doctors and nurses needs to be addressed seriously before the government increases allocations for the digitalisation of the public healthcare system.
MCA Central Committee member Cally Ting said efforts to digitalise healthcare through Electronic Medical Records (EMR) should be supported.
She said the system could help speed up patient processes and reduce the administrative burden on healthcare workers.
However, she questioned the increase in the allocation for the National Digital Health Ecosystem and Connectivity Driver (PERSADA) from RM650 million to RM1 billion.
According to her, the government needs to explain why the additional RM350 million, or nearly 54 percent, is required within a period of approximately two and a half months.
“What additional benefits will the public receive from the RM350 million, including in terms of facilities, system specifications, hardware, cybersecurity and maintenance?” she asked.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM350 million to accelerate the digitalisation of the public healthcare sector.
Cally said if the RM1 billion allocation is intended to reduce patient waiting times, the government should set clear targets and timelines for achieving them.
At the same time, she said the issue of waiting times cannot be separated from the shortage of manpower in the healthcare sector.
“As of March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Health had 15,587 vacancies for nurses and 2,901 vacancies for Assistant Medical Officers,” she said.
She also said that between 2023 and 2025, a total of 3,511 medical officers and 1,257 medical and dental specialists left the public sector.
“I am not suggesting that we choose between technology and healthcare workers, but if patients are waiting because there are not enough doctors and nurses, a faster computer system cannot replace healthcare workers in the treatment room,” she said.
