In a special announcement broadcast on major television channels and social media platforms today, he said the move would address the urgent needs of the healthcare sector.

“There have been complaints about critical vacancies, particularly involving doctors.

“We’ve decided that while services must improve, there is also a clear need to bring in new and contract doctors,” he said.

On July 12, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry was committed to resolving issues with healthcare workers’ welfare, following reports of recruitment drives by Singapore-based talent agencies.

He defended the decision to cancel the placements for doctors in February because of technical issues in the ePlacement system.

He also said the system had been improved, and that through it, 2,248 medical officers had since been offered permanent appointments.