Health Ministry faces 1,176-driver shortage, including for ambulances

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is facing a shortage of 1,176 vehicle drivers, including ambulance drivers, across its facilities nationwide.

The shortfall has increased the workload of existing drivers and is expected to persist until April next year.

The ministry attributed the shortage to delays in filling General Services Assistant (Driving) positions following the temporary suspension of recruitment by the Public Service Department (PSD) through the Public Services Commission (PSC) in 2024.

The suspension was implemented to facilitate the introduction of the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

"Under the new system, the former vehicle driver scheme has been consolidated into a new scheme known as General Services Assistant (Driving), under the Skills Services classification (H).

"The changes required a thorough review of qualification requirements to ensure recruits are suitable and competent in driving duties, particularly when operating ambulances.

"The new scheme also encourages a broader scope of duties, multi-skilling and the performance of multiple tasks," the ministry said in a response to a recent report by Berita Harian.

The ministry expects vacancies for General Services Assistant (Driving) positions at public healthcare facilities nationwide to be filled in stages from April 2027.

As at Sept 30 this year, the ministry had 8,863 approved positions for General Services Assistant (Driving), of which only 7,687 were filled.

Peninsular Malaysia recorded the highest number of vacancies at 1,003, followed by Sarawak (92), Sabah (73) and Labuan (eight).

However, the ministry said recruitment projections must take into account existing vacancies, retirements, staff attrition and the operational needs of healthcare facilities.

"Based on the status of recruitment matters with the SPA, applications to fill the vacancies are still being processed by the commission. The Driving Competency Test (UKP) was only completed on Oct 27.

"Appointments will be made in stages from April 2027, subject to the completion of the recruitment process by the PSC," it said.

The ministry said the implementation of SSPA had also necessitated a review of job functions and placements to separate overlapping duties between General Services Assistant (Driving) and General Services Assistant (General) positions.

It said existing General Services Assistants (General) could be assigned driving duties at government facilities at the discretion of state health department directors or heads of departments, subject to service requirements, driving tests and competency assessments.

"The General Services Assistant (Driving) scheme covers the functions of the former Vehicle Driver scheme before SSPA, focusing on driving duties and the maintenance of departmental vehicles, including ambulances, at their respective placement facilities.

"Meanwhile, the General Services Assistant (General) scheme focuses on general support duties based on departmental needs, including functions previously performed by Operations Assistants and Public Works Assistants before SSPA," it said.

The ministry's response followed a report on Oct 16 highlighting a shortage of ambulance drivers at government healthcare facilities nationwide, despite the procurement of 400 new ambulances announced under the 2027 Budget.