Lack of transparency in job placements frustrating for junior doctors, says MMA

THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said it is grateful for the permanent positions recently awarded to junior doctors who had earlier applied for interim contract roles but expressed disappointment with how the placement process was conducted.

Its president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the lack of transparency on the criteria and technical issues that arose have led to frustration for some of the junior doctors.

“A significant issue with the recent placements has been the lack of clarity surrounding the criteria for the selection for permanent positions,” he stated.

“Many junior doctors who have served diligently are now questioning why some colleagues were offered permanent roles while others were not and placed on the reserve list. The absence of transparency has led to disappointment and frustration amongst these doctors.”’

From feedback received, Dr Kalwinder said the placement system had experienced crashes upon release, preventing access, and by the time it was restored, certain states had already un out of slots, leaving doctors only with location far from where they had been contributing effectively.

“Many were willing to stay in places where they had already built experience and competency, but the lack of slots and system limitations left them without options,” he pointed out.

“As such, the government should consider allowing doctors who are already trained in a particular discipline to remain in their current posts when they are willing to do so.

“Input from Heads of Departments should be given strong consideration in transfer decisions. Relocating experienced junior doctors without consultation risks disrupting critical services, departmental needs and services even further.”

Dr Kalwinder said it is also important to note that asking doctors to relocate when they are willing to continue serving in their current roles adds unnecessary costs to both the government and the doctors themselves.

To address these issues, he said the selection criteria for permanent positions set by the Health Ministry and the Public Service Department (JPA) must be made known to all applicants, adding that this will help in gaining the trust of doctor and the general public while also ensuring fairness.

“In terms of manpower planning, MMA has many times called for transparency and the need to publish data on the manpower present at public healthcare facilities across the country,” Dr Kalwinder stressed.

“The MMA stands with our junior doctors in calling for a fair, transparent, and effective placement process that supports their careers and helps the healthcare needs of the nation.

“It is important to retain their confidence in the system which in turn will help retain our talented healthcare professionals in service to the nation.” – Nov 7, 2024

Subscribe and get top news delivered to your Inbox everyday for FREE