KUALA LUMPUR – According to the Health Ministry, 1,025 contract doctors resigned during the Covid-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2021.
During question time at the Dewan Rakyat, today, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor-PH) queried the ministry over the number of medical graduates who resigned and the reasons behind their resignation.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali revealed that from 2017 until June 2021, 1,497 contract doctors tendered their resignation.
Breaking down the figures, Dr Noor Azmi explained 110 doctors resigned in 2017, 168 in 2018, 475 in 2019, and 511 in 2020, while from January to November 26, 2021, there were 514 resignations.
“With regard to resignations, the decision is exercised by the contract doctors based on a variety of reasons.
“Among these reasons include doctors wanting to serve in the private sector, unspecified personal reasons, serving in statutory bodies, furthering studies and health reasons,” Dr Noor Azmi said.
On November 2, it was reported by the media that contract doctors pushing for permanent posts in the civil service will be organising a second protest.
#HartalDoktorKontrak contends that under Budget 2022, it does not address issues faced by medical personnel.
On July 26 this year, contract doctors across the nation staged a walkout from various government hospitals to demand permanent posts. – The Vibes, November 29, 2021
