THE Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement has voiced support for Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, praising his candour in acknowledging systemic weaknesses affecting the nation’s healthcare workforce, while renewing calls for sweeping structural reform.
In a statement issued on Saturday, HDK said Mahathar’s admission confirms concerns repeatedly raised by junior doctors regarding inefficient recruitment processes and poor coordination between government agencies.
"We have repeatedly raised these concerns and warned that this situation would arise.
"However, our voices were met with silence as many feared retaliation and were ultimately silenced,” the group said.
HDK stressed that the current crisis did not emerge suddenly but is rooted in longstanding structural issues involving multiple agencies with overlapping responsibilities.
It said the Ministry of Higher Education continues to produce graduates without aligning national quotas to actual service needs.
"The Public Services Department (JPA) remains the main bottleneck by limiting permanent positions and forcing continued reliance on a ‘temporary hiring’ model that has failed.
"JPA still relies on outdated data and insists that the current healthcare workforce is sufficient, whereas the reality on the ground differs greatly from what is recorded on paper," it added.
The group pointed to a recent development in which only 529 graduates reported for duty out of more than 5,000 positions offered, describing it as clear evidence that the system is failing.
HDK also reiterated its demand for the government to fulfil its promise to establish a Health Services Commission (SPK) to address the crisis.
"HDK does not agree with previous conclusions that SPK is unnecessary or ‘overlapping’, and claims that existing agencies are sufficient amount to a denial of the reality we face daily.
"The current overlap of authority is precisely what causes delays, confusion, and a lack of accountability," it said.
According to the statement, the sector requires a dedicated commission with a legal mandate to coordinate the entire pipeline of medical training, recruitment, and placement.
"Additionally, it would decentralise employment management in the healthcare service away from JPA to ensure the specific needs of the medical sector are met.
"And it would guarantee a permanent career pathway that provides job security and professional dignity," it said.
HDK warned that the issue can no longer remain at the level of “consideration” or be delayed by further feasibility studies.
"As policymakers, ministers and the Prime Minister have the authority to overcome bureaucratic inertia.
"We demand a clear timeline and immediate action, as this is no longer a matter for discussion, endless study, or postponement through the formation of new committees.
"This is a matter of national survival. They must be held accountable for every patient who receives inadequate care due to a deliberately constrained workforce," it added. - April 25, 2026
