KUALA LUMPUR – Medical associations nationwide welcomed the move by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to open 3,586 permanent positions for medical doctors this year and more up till 2025.
In a joint press statement, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak, Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia and Malaysian Medics International voiced their appreciation of the positive resolution to a long-standing problem.
“We wish to thank Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for making it happen.
“We are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel on this long-standing issue. We also welcome the Health Ministry’s announcement on the increase of 800 permanent positions for specialists on an annual basis.
“We hope that more specialist positions will be added towards the target of having more than 18,000 specialists in the country by 2025,” said MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai on behalf of all the associations.
The Health Ministry had also announced that at least 1,500 permanent posts will be created annually from 2023 to 2025 for medical officers, dental officers, and pharmacists, as well as 800 permanent positions for specialists each year.
Additionally, grade UD47 promotions for doctors due for the promotions are also currently being looked into by the ministry.
He said that the ministry’s move is certainly a step forward to tackle the issue of contract doctors.
“We view yesterday’s announcement with optimism that the issue of contract doctors will eventually be resolved. Of course, some time will be needed to work through all the issues.
“However, we strongly believe that with the comprehensive and inclusive approach demonstrated by the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, and JPA in yesterday’s engagement, we can get there sooner than expected,” Dr Koh said.
Contract doctors have been facing burnout and financial instability since 2016, having to work for more than 24 hours and deal with unpaid overtime work.
They were also unable to secure permanent posts, which eventually led to the rise of the #HartalDoktorKontrak movement protesting against the government’s contract system.
July 26 last year saw doctors walking out of hospitals on strike under the movement. – The Vibes, February 11, 2022
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