Give permanent posts or else, #HartalDoktorKontrak warns govt

KUALA LUMPUR – Organisers of the #HartalDoktorKontrak movement today reiterated their call for the government to fulfil their demand for all contract doctors to be made permanent staff and present detailed criteria for this change, failing which, they will proceed with a one-day strike this month.

Dr Mustapha Kamal A. Aziz, who leads the campaign, told an online press conference that besides the media, the group has also handed over their memorandum to the Public Service Department, Public Service Commission (PSC), Health Ministry secretary-general, health director-general and Malaysian Medical Council.

“For us, these are the relevant parties that should discuss this matter involving the future of contract doctors, some of whom will see their contracts end by December.

“The first batch from December 2016 will have their contracts end by this December. But up till now, we have not heard anything about their status, despite this deadline.”

He assured the public that patients’ care will not be affected, saying a system has been prepared should the July 26 strike take place.

“For the second phase of the protest, we’ve mentioned that we’ll engage with hospital directors and department heads on our actions.

“The one-day strike is our absolute last option. It depends on whether the government responds properly to our demands.

The strike is our last resort, which is why we’re giving them three weeks to respond. If they don’t reply by then, we’ll have to do this, because this is for the future of the nation’s healthcare.”

Asked about the potential legal repercussions, Dr Mustapha Kamal and several of the movement’s spokesmen present at the presser said they have lawyers on standby should any supporter or member be sanctioned.

“In Malaysia, nobody is above the law, and the law is interpreted in the courtroom by the judge. So, whatever happens, let it be in the courtroom. For now, we’ll do what we think is best for the nation’s healthcare,” said Dr Mustapha Kamal.

He described Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba’s call yesterday for contract doctors to be patient as worrying and disappointing.

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone should be cognisant of the need for contract doctors and medical staff, who serve all layers of society.

“However, until today, the appointment process is still at a dead end, whereby the selection process and grading criteria remain unclear. Every other day, we’re told that all permanent appointments depend on PSC.

Even worse, our own ministry continues to be ignorant when it comes to this issue, triggering negative responses from all sides. The extension of contracts is still seen as being directionless and denying the rights of doctors, who continue to work very hard during the pandemic.”

The group of contract doctors behind #HartalDoktorKontrak has given the government 26 days from today to meet their demands, or members will hold a one-day strike.

In a statement sighted by the Vibes, the group distanced itself from the Malaysian Medical Association despite both parties fighting towards the same end, albeit employing different approaches.

Since 2016, only 786 contract medical officers have been absorbed as permanent staff.

Until December 2016, the government had created permanent posts for all house officers.

“Why the sudden drop from 100% to 3.47%?” said Dr Mustapha Kamal.

“There is also no clarity on how these fortunate 3.47% of medical officers were selected.” – The Vibes, July 1, 2021