GEORGE TOWN – Public healthcare services in all hospitals and health clinics in Penang were seen to be running as usual – with no contract doctors in the state taking part in Mogok Doktor Malaysia, which is scheduled to be held for three days starting today.
A check at several hospitals in the state – Kepala Batas Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital and Penang Hospital – found that services were operating as normal today.
Penang Health executive councillor Dr Norlela Ariffin said state health Director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin had informed her that daily operations were running smoothly with no doctors on strike, and that the department was monitoring the matter closely to deal with any possibilities that may arise.
Doctors had reported for daily duties in almost all health departments and there was no disruption or lack of personnel in any unit.
News outlets had earlier reported that the three-day industrial action might affect operations at government hospitals and health clinics if more than 8,000 contract doctors would not show up for duty.
A Mogok Doktor Malaysia spokesman reportedly said that no demonstrations would be held. Instead, contract doctors would not be present for duty, the only strike action carried out for three days until Wednesday. – Bernama, April 3, 2023
