KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has warned its trainee doctors against participating in the planned strike against the contract system.
In a directive sighted by The Vibes, the management said it is “seriously concerned” over the Code Black campaign launched by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) as a sign of solidarity for contract medical staff.
“The PPUM (UMMC) management wishes to remind graduate medical trainees that they are frontliners and should not participate in the strike raised by certain groups that would affect the treatment process of patients in PPUM, especially under the worsening situation of the spread of Covid-19,” it said.
“On this matter, the Health Ministry is making efforts to address the issues faced by contract medical officers.”
On Monday, the MMA’s Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists, representing government doctors, said it will launch Code Black week tomorrow in a show of solidarity with contract doctors.
The peaceful protest aims to solidify the demand for equal and fair treatment between contract and permanent staff, as well as ensure job security for all healthcare workers.
A group of doctors has also called for a one-day strike on July 26 in protest against the government's contract system, but this is not affiliated with the MMA.
In response, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba assured the matter would be brought up in the cabinet, promising more benefits on schemes offered by the ministry.
He said as of May 31, a total of 35,216 doctors have been appointed on a contract basis under three schemes, adding that there are presently 23,077 medical officers, 5,000 dental officers and 7,139 pharmacy officers on contract.
“The ministry has also recruited 12,153 individuals under its undergraduate training scheme for one cycle,” he told a joint press conference with Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today.
“They will be under the contract scheme before being asked to undergo the mandatory two-year service following their housemanship.”
He had urged the contract doctors to remain calm, saying the cabinet will decide on the matter soon. – The Vibes, June 30, 2021
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