KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (Schomos), which represents government doctors, launched its Black Monday campaign today, as a mark of solidarity with contract doctors.
Under the movement, which is part of its ongoing Code Black week that started on July 1, participants are asked to go to work and wear black as a common theme.
The group said: “Hold a placard saying ‘we stand with contract healthcare workers’. Post pictures on social media with the hashtags #saveMYcontractHCW, #CodeBlackMY and #BlackMondayMY.”
BLACK MONDAY 12/7/2021
— Malaysian Medics International (@MMI_World) July 12, 2021
Today marks Black Monday, a movement started 12 days ago, fighting for the welfare of contract medical officers. Why does it matter to US? Why does it matter to YOU? pic.twitter.com/uB7KV8bbFh
I stand by my junior Doctors !! ? #CodeBlackMY pic.twitter.com/1DVwdM63lD
— Dr.Zaliha Mustafa (@Zaliha_DrZ) July 4, 2021
Among the various demands that the MMA section addressed to the government include:
- Clear and available career/postgraduate pathways to specialisation for contract doctors;
- Detailed and transparent criteria for permanent posts;
- Equal and fair treatment of contract and permanent staff; and,
- Job security for all healthcare workers.
Supporters of the campaign include medical associations and senior doctors.
Standing in solidarity with CONTRACT HCWs. INVEST in Human Capital for Nation Building. #CodeBlackMY #BlackMondayMY #saveMYcontractHCW pic.twitter.com/tFTc70wCuJ
— drarasu (@drarasu71) July 12, 2021
We stand with Contract Healthcare Workers#CodeBlackMY#BlackMondayMY#saveMYcontractHCW pic.twitter.com/4ahteNRNJg
— Amar-Singh HSS (@DrAmarMOH) July 11, 2021
The section is expected to hold a press conference at 4pm today, to address the status of its demands to the Health Ministry (MoH).
According to MMA sources, a recent meeting with a MoH official last week resulted in “several positive outcomes, but not a perfect solution”.
It is learnt that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba will make an announcement on the status of contract doctors soon. – The Vibes, July 12, 2021
