The Malaysian Insight

DOCTORS’ group Hartal Doktor Kontrak is banking on the incoming prime minister and his government to find a solution to its five-year problem on issues faced by contract medical officers, the group’s spokesman Dr Mustapha Kamal said.

Mustapha said the group, which had carried out a nationwide strike on July 26, is not giving up hope yet that a solution to their problem can be found, despite there being a change in government.

He, however, warned that they will carry on with their planned strike if there is no solution to their problems soon.

“My hope is that they (the next government) will not forget the healthcare workers, especially those who have devoted their time and effort fighting this pandemic,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“Hartal 2.0 (nationwide strike) will go on should the next government fail to deliver a solution for contract doctors.”

Mustapha, however, said he could only comment further once the incoming government is formed and their policies are made known.

The group previously warned it would stage another strike if the government does not find a solution to the situation before Budget 2022 is tabled.

Hundreds of healthcare workers staged a walkout on July 26 as a sign of protest against the unfair contract system.

Former health minister Dr Adham Baba told the Dewan Rakyat last month that the ministry will do the needful to resolve the problem in the next two years, including the necessary amendments to the Pension Act and Medical Act.

He said the extension of the contract is an interim solution and the needful will be done including the amendment to the necessary acts.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that Putrajaya will extend the contract term for medical officers and dentists who have been accepted into specialist training to a maximum period of four years.

This, he said, applies to those who have been accepted to undergo specialist training within the first two years of their contract term.

Muhyiddin also said as an immediate resolution, the cabinet had decided to offer a two-year contract of service to medical officers, dentists and pharmacists who have completed their mandatory service to ensure continuation to their service and as preparation for their specialist training.

The group, however, rejected this, saying it was a “half-baked” proposal.

However, with the Perikatan Nasional government no longer in power following the resignations of Muhyiddin and his cabinet on Monday, it remains to be seen whether a resolution is in sight for the longstanding issue.

Hartal had submitted a memorandum to the government last month, demanding the government offer all contract medical officers permanent positions and a detailed explanation on the criteria considered for appointments to the civil service.

The group also said the three changes of government since the last general election have also led to the issue being taken back to the drawing board over and over again with a lack of resolution in sight. – August 18, 2021.