MMA section launches Black Monday in solidarity with contract doctors

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.”

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.

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