Why the silence on contract doctors’ woes, MMA asks govt

THE Health Ministry’s silence on a number of issues faced by some 1,000 contract doctors is worrying, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said.

She said the association had written to the health minister for an explanation concerning issues faced by 1,004 grade UD43 contract doctors who have been notified of their placements upon approval for permanent posts.

Azizan said MMA had sent the letter on November 9 but had yet to get a response despite a number of reminders.

“According to the latest circular from the ministry’s Human Resources Department dated November 2, the cohort of UD43 doctors who have been given permanent positions are required to tender their notice of resignation as a UD43 medical officer with effect from December 18, 2023 – the date they have been instructed to report for duty in their new location.

“The circular states that this notice of resignation is irrevocable and that any other matters concerning services under contract should not arise after notice is submitted,” Azizan said.

“The MMA is concerned over several issues, including reimbursement and resignation implications,” she said.

MMA said doctors were still not allowed to claim transport and cargo allowance as they were “between contracts”, when in reality they work the entire duration.

“The years one serves as a contract doctor are not recognised for salary grades and promotion.

“This raises the issue of unfairness as doctors who serve the same number of years will be paid differently depending on the date of promotion to permanent positions.”

Dr Azizan said the notice of resignation “may have an impact on contract doctors’ existing years of service”.

“A medical officer needs three years of Sasaran Kerja Tahunan to qualify for study leave and specialist training, and several UD43 Medical Officers are JPA scholars, so it is hoped the terms and arrangements to settle their study loans will remain under the existing scheme,” she said.

She said the cohort’s replacement leave must be carried forward and continue from December 18 – when they report for duty as permanent medical officers.

“We hope the ministry will expedite the remaining contracts, which has yet to be done by the hospitals in which these doctors currently serve, to ensure smooth handover and transition to their new location.

“It is also hoped all contract doctors in this cohort and in future placement exercises will receive their offer letters stating their basic salary and allowances at least three months before they are expected to resign,” the MMA president said.

The group said relocation requires time, money and careful management, especially for those with family commitments, which could be extremely challenging.

“We appeal to the MOH to allow sufficient leave for contract doctors to make the necessary arrangements (for their new permanent appointments),” Dr Azizan said. – The Vibes, November 30, 2023.