BANGI, Nov 7 — Malaysia has 623 registered psychiatrists, which is a long way to go to meet current needs, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the figure includes 385 specialists in government hospitals, 102 in public and private hospitals, 26 in private universities and eight in armed forces hospitals.
“He said family medicine specialists (FMS) at clinics providing mental health services can play an early role in assisting those facing psychiatric issues.
“I want FMS (at clinics) to take on the crucial role (to treat patients) because FMS are clinicians. They are there to treat patients.
“I emphasise that it’s not just psychiatrists or counsellors. We need to look at the healthcare team itself, where the role of FMS is crucial. They are trained to handle patients, and mental health is part of their expertise. We also expect them to play a role at clinics,” he said, adding that there are 774 FMS employed at clinics.
He spoke to reporters after opening the Regional Counselling Convention 2024, themed “Bridging Wellbeing and Work” here today, which was also attended by the Employees Provident Fund chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
On December 16, 2021, the Health Ministry said it wants to achieve a psychiatrist-to-population ratio of 1:50,000 by 2025, which would require 720 psychiatrists.
— Bernama