JOHOR BARU – While welcoming the move by Putrajaya to open up 4,914 permanent positions for medical professionals, Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) wonders how Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa managed to do it after only a short period in power.
Speaking to The Vibes, a spokesperson from HDK who refused to be named pointed out that former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced in February last year that the ministry is opening up to 4,000 permanent posts for medical personnel, only after numerous consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“Khairy also promised 1,500 permanent posts per year moving forward. Those 4,000 permanent posts were filled up after interviews and a screening process.
“Some who got the posts rejoiced and those who did not manage to get it continued with their contracts without a future in the ministry,” the HDK spokesperson said.
Moving forward to 2023, with only around two months in power, HDK queried how Zaliha was able to announce nearly 5,000 permanent posts so quickly, given it has taken long periods by previous administrations.
“While we accept the move as swift and efficient, we do wonder where all the permanent posts came from.
“Previously, it was said that the feud between the Civil Service Department and the Health Ministry hindered the government from employing more medical personnel.
“Suddenly, the department is willing to offer almost 5,000 permanent positions on short notice – or were these jobs already available before the election? Because it could have been announced earlier to avoid more doctors leaving.
Earlier today, in a tweet, HDK publicly questioned the matter, drawing both dissent and agreement from netizens.
Just to clarify these new 4K permanent post is by which YBMK @Khairykj or @Zaliha_DrZ ?
— HartalDoktorKontrak (@HKontrak) January 7, 2023
If by KJ - they supposed to announce way earlier to keep those MO in the system.
If by DrZ - how she manage to get it quickly compared to prev YBMK?
Those who agreed said it does not matter which administration came up with the vacancies but instead it should be celebrated.
“Whoever did it doesn’t matter, as long as the healthcare system is sustainable and the doctor’s welfare is well taken care of,” a Twitter user who goes by Dr Black tweeted.
Whoever did it doesn't matter, as long as the healthcare system is sustainable and the doctor's welfare are well taken care of.
— Dr Black (@DrBlack46062191) January 7, 2023
Other netizens, however, remained sceptical over the offer of new positions.
“That’s why I had the same sentiment. Suddenly dentists have 335 vacancies. Feels like a scam. Later like the previous batch cannot choose Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan. So, those in rural areas have to be there forever,” @CurrymaGill tweeted.
that’s why, I had the same sentiment. Tiber dental ada 335 jawatan. Feels mcm scam. Later like the previous batch cannot choose Selangor, WPKL AND N9. Pastu yg dah luar bandar like us forever stay luar bandar? ? https://t.co/TXGtnWi5jU
— CURRYANNA DHALNE (@CurrymaGill) January 7, 2023
“I have the same question too. Why the same number of positions that Khairy offered last year, why not double the number of positions? In fact, why not make all contract personnel permanent,” @minah_karan tweeted. – The Vibes, January 7, 2023
I have the same question too. Why the same number of positions that KJ offered last year, why not double the number of positions? In fact why not make all contract HCWs permanent?
— zhu (@minah_karan) January 7, 2023
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