WITH contract medical officers (MO) threatening to strike on July 1, the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) urged the Government to address their plight instead penalising them.
“The contract system essentially treats junior doctors and other health professionals like expendable assets.
“So, the Government must show compassionate and thoughtful leadership, instead of issuing high-handed press statements which are insensitive.
“Junior health professionals have served Malaysia during this pandemic, and we owe them a debt of gratitude which must be repaid through better terms of service,” it said, in a statement.
Recently, contract MOs have threatened to launch a strike as they were unhappy that over 23,000 of them have yet to get absorbed automatically as permanent staff, as was the practice in the past.
Many of them have been serving since December 2016, adding they were upset that the Government had only promised to extend their contracts until December next year.
On June 23, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that the Government has never stopped taking medical graduates for training, even during the pandemic crisis.
Responding to the calls made by the Malaysian Public Health Medical Association and the Malaysian Islamic Doctors Association, Adham added that the Government would ensure that medical graduates, especially bumiputera, can serve on a permanent basis and reduce unemployment rate.
However, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) lashed out at the minister for his statement, saying racial or religious prejudices should not influence the selection of officers or whether they would serve in permanent appointments.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that a group of MOs at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Terengganu were told that they risk facing disciplinary action if they join the strike.
No racism in MOH, please
Touching on the matter, MHC said contract MOs should be allowed to voice their concerns without being threatened with action.
“Meaningful channels for regular engagement should be there without threats of repercussions. This is where compassionate and thoughtful leadership plays a key role,” it added.
MHC also lauded Health Ministry secretary general’s statement that promised employment and promotion in the ministry will be based on merit, not racial or religious prejudice.
“We support equality and reject any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, age or other characteristics.
“With that, MOH must be transparent with its decisions for hiring and promotions. Health professionals serve all, and a diverse workforce is needed for a multi-ethnic Malaysia,” it stressed.
On the contract system, MHC said that MOH is the only ministry which offers contract posts for professional-grade civil servants, which was an unfair anomaly within the system.
It also said the system must be revamped by including fair solutions to recognise doctors and health professionals for their service to the nation.
“Without political will to resolve this issue, the long-term health of Malaysians will suffer,” it remarked. – June 29, 2021.
Photo credit: Malay Mail
