THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak, Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) and Malaysian Medics International (MMI) have applauded the Health Ministry’s announcement that 3,586 permanent positions for medical doctors will be created this year.
This is on top of news that at least 1,500 additional permanent posts for medical officers (Mos), dental officers and pharmacists will also be opened up annually from 2023 to 2025.
“We wish to thank Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for making it happen. We are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel on this longstanding issue,” the groups said in a joint statement on Friday (Feb 11).
“We also welcome the Health Ministry’s announcement on an increase of 800 permanent positions for specialists on an annual basis. We hope that more specialist positions will be added on towards the target of having more than 18,000 specialists in the country by 2025.”
According to the joint statement, there was meaningful engagement in Thursday’s (Feb 10) townhall session where all stakeholders from medical students to subspecialists were given the opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns on various issues.
“In our discussions, the Health Minister also assured us that his ministry will be looking into the promotion to grade UD 47 for doctors due for this promotion.
“The Health Minister was frank in explaining the situation and challenges faced in securing more permanent positions for our junior doctors. We nevertheless view yesterday’s announcement with optimism that the issue of contract doctors will eventually be resolved.
“Of course, some time will be needed to work through all issues. However, we strongly believe that with the comprehensive and inclusive approach demonstrated by the MOH, MOF and JPA in yesterday’s engagement, we can get there sooner than expected.”
Moving forward, the groups opined that continued fruitful engagement with the authorities will be crucial to resolve many other pressing issues.
“Among these issues to be addressed would be the very reason why we landed in this current situation of so many contract doctors facing an uncertain future.
“While new permanent positions will be opened up yearly as announced, the number of new medical students in the country still needs to be controlled, lest we return to square one in no time,” they said. – Feb 11, 2022
