KUALA LUMPUR – The Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement has not budged, but maintained that its “protest” will go ahead on Monday despite the government’s offer to extend the contracts of temp doctors.
In a statement on its Facebook page today, the organisers said they are not buying the contract extension.
“Offering us years of contract is not a solution, it’s a sugar-coated statement to shut us up.
“We know well how the system works, we are not buying it. Nobody wise enough will accept it.”
“Stop giving us a half-cooked solution given by people who are not even in this field, or don’t know how the system works. Maybe (they) don’t even bother to think thoroughly about it because the problem is not theirs.
“Give us a clear plan, a clear solution for our career. Could we afford to lose more and more people now?”
The government’s offer is largely seen as a stopgap measure despite cries from health frontliners wanting job security.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin offered doctors, dentists and pharmacists two-year contracts upon completing their compulsory service – a decision ahead of the planned “hartal” (protest) on Monday.
“The government understands the demands of this group of contract health workers, and is aware of their contribution and roles as frontliners, which are crucial in providing the best services to the people, especially during the pandemic.
“To ensure this matter is given full attention and addressed comprehensively, I have instructed the Health Ministry, and relevant ministries and agencies to formulate a comprehensive and inclusive plan consisting of immediate actions, as well as medium short-term and long-term plans.”
He said the cabinet has agreed to extend the appointment for temp medical and dental officers with contracts for not more than four years.
“Contract appointments for medical and dental officers who are accepted to pursue specialist studies in the first two years of the contract will be extended for a period of up to four years.
“This is to ensure the officers successfully complete the studies of their respective specialties.”
Muhyiddin said the government understands the concerns and problems faced by contract doctors, dentists and pharmacists with regard to their career paths.
“To ensure an equal and fair career path, the cabinet has agreed that these contractual appointments are to be managed in accordance with the career that is equivalent to those of permanent officers and they will be offered a fully paid study leave, as well as sponsored study leave and federal training prize.
“Among other agreements are to improve the facilities or benefits being offered to these contract pharmacists, dental and medical officers are on special medical duty leave, tuberculosis leave and fare facilities to visit their state of origin.”
He said the decisions will provide space for the government to finalise an ongoing study of health system reforms through a review of existing provisions in the Medical Act 1971 and formulate a long-term direction for medical services.
Previously, a group of contract doctors behind the Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement gave the government 26 days from June 1 to meet its demands, or members will strike for one day.
The group had distanced itself from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) despite both fighting towards the same end, albeit employing different approaches.
The government will be given a time frame to issue a proper response, failing which, the Hartal Doktor Kontrak members will stage a walkout.
“This will be carried out at all hospitals around the country for one day.
“If the memorandum demands are not met, we will continue doing so until the government comes forward,” said the group.
The group behind the movement, which is quickly gaining traction online, has reportedly invited peers, the media and the public to participate. – The Vibes, July 24, 2021
