The Malaysian Insight

A MEDICAL group has launched a Code Black campaign as a sign of protest against what it sees as an unfair contract medical officer (MO) system.

The Malaysian Medical Association’s Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (Schomos) said in a Facebook post that the Code Black campaign will run from July 1 to July 12, culminating in ‘Black Monday’ on July 12.

The group requested that supporters change their personal profile pictures, company or institution logo to black or monochrome for the first 12 days of the campaign, visit the MMA Schomos Facebook page for latest information and updates regarding contract doctors, and help to share the news.

On July 12, doctors were told to go to work as usual wearing black.

They were also urged to hold a placard: “We stand with contract healthcare workers” and post pictures on social media with the hashtags #saveMYcontractHCW, #CodeBlackMY and #BlackMondayMY only.

“The contract doctors and allied healthcare workers system needs a revamp for the sake of the healthcare ecosystem of Malaysia.

“We call on all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with us. The healthcare system needs you,” it said.

The group is also seeking urgent action from the government to clear a pathway to specialisation for contract doctors and postgraduates.

It is also calling for a detailed and transparent criteria for permanent posts, equal and fair treatment between contract and permanent staff, and job security for all healthcare workers.

“We will call for an urgent town hall session with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and stakeholders soon. Spread the word,” it said.

MMA Schomos said the colour black was chosen as a symbolism to mourn the bright young talents Malaysia has lost to other countries and to recognise the injustice faced by all contract healthcare workers in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Insight understands that there will be no street protest and patients’ wellbeing will not be jeopardised, with doctors continuing to work.

This campaign is not linked to the rumoured Hartal strike, which is expected take place soon. However, little information is available on this at the present time.

Absorbing contract MOs permanently into the civil service has been a longstanding issue.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said in a June 23 statement that permanent posts in the service are offered based on availability of slots and the doctors must also meet the criteria set by the government.

He said the ministry was subjected to the government’s policy of rightsizing the civil service.

Applications for permanent positions have to be made to the central agency, which determines the positions to be made available in current and new facilities.

“Positions are not added in tandem with the number of graduates,” he said.

He said the appointment of permanent staff exceeding the available slots will warrant audit reprimand.

The government has never stopped the intake for graduate training, he said.

Between December 2016 and May 31, 2021, a total of 23,077 UD41 contract medical officers were appointed to undergo graduate training and compulsory service. – June 28, 2021.