KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has reportedly said that the White Paper that is being developed by her ministry will be addressing the issue of brain drain from the Malaysian medical field.

The Star today reported that Dr Zaliha admitted to brain drain being a loss for Malaysia, and that she was aware of recommendations from her predecessors on tackling the issue.

"The Health White Paper, which is in the process of being developed, will look into the setting up of a Health Commission that will be responsible for several issues, including healthcare service development,” she was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, The Star also quoted Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah as saying that brain drain was occurring across the Malaysian workforce and one should not have a "microscopic view”.

"Look at the bigger picture. The issue of brain drain cuts across the workforce. It’s across all specialities, not only in the medical field,” he reportedly said.

Dr Noor Hisham also claimed that migration may not be halted even if complaints by medical students such as poor working conditions, bullying, low wages, and inadequate training and career opportunities are addressed.

"Perhaps a public engagement can be started on this global phenomenon of migration. Can we control it? Can we stop it? Can we reverse it?” he reportedly asked.

Both Dr Zaliha and Dr Noor Hisham were commenting on a statement made by the University of Malaya’s Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman who yesterday said that the university loses 30 of its best and brightest students to Singapore each year.

Dr Adeeba alleged that a lack of positions and clear training pathways has caused doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to look for better work opportunities in other countries.