PETALING JAYA: The issue of contract doctors in public hospitals may be resolved soon as the Cabinet is expected to address the matter at its meeting on Wednesday.
Dr Vijay Ganasan, chairman of the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Section Concerning House Officers and Medical Officers (Schomos), said this shows the engagement session with the government has been fruitful.
“MMA had a meeting with the Health Ministry last week and on June 25 we met the Finance Ministry.
“We were informed that the Cabinet will discuss this issue at its meeting on Wednesday,“ Vijay said during a virtual press conference today.
While it may not be feasible in the long run to turn contracts into permanent positions for healthcare workers , Vijay said a proper merit system and method should be created properly so they will know how to progress throughout their career.
The press conference was held to mark Black Monday, the culmination of the 12-day long Code Black campaign to stand in solidarity with contract doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses as well as all allied healthcare workers led by the association.
Over 15,000 healthcare workers have come forward in support of the campaign since its inception.
Meanwhile, a joint statement by a total of 11 health associations called upon the government to review the country’s system of contract doctors.
“The healthcare system is currently ill, and we need a proper long term solution,“ Vijay said.
