Ministry reaffirms vows to end contract doctor issue

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry assures that the government remains committed to resolving the long-standing issue of contract doctor appointments, with efforts underway to expedite their absorption into permanent positions.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the contract hiring system, introduced in 2016, was a temporary measure to address a backlog of medical graduates.
"I want to stress that the contract system was implemented as an interim solution. We are now at the final stage of that policy and the government is committed to ending this model as soon as possible," he said.
He also said the interim move was introduced when there were too many medical professionals in the country, but now the situation has changed and there is a dire need to have more doctors.
He added that the contract of service system was nearing its end, but the transition would not be easy.
"It depends on the availability of permanent positions, as well as several other important aspects involving other agencies," Dr Dzulkefly added.
He said the ministry, in collaboration with the Public Service Department (PSD), would accelerate the process of appointing eligible contract doctors into permanent roles once vacancies are identified.
He said this in response to renewed calls by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which urges the government to abolish the contract system altogether, citing its negative impact on morale and long-term career progression within the public healthcare sector.
The issue has gained urgency due to increasing concerns about Malaysian healthcare workers moving abroad, especially to Singapore, drawn by better pay, clearer career paths and improved working conditions.
"We must act decisively to strengthen our healthcare workforce and ensure they remain motivated and valued within our system," Dr Dzulkefly said, in reference to the broader challenge of brain drain.
In the past, the contract doctor issue had sparked protests, with junior doctors voicing frustration over job insecurity, a lack of benefits and limited access to specialist training opportunities under the current Contract of Service system.
In the 2024 Budget, the government announced an increase in the number of permanent positions and allocations for housemen and medical officers, but critics said the implementation has been slow and uneven.
Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry would work with stakeholders to ensure the transition is managed effectively and fairly.
"We acknowledge the challenges and concerns raised. Our aim is to reform the system for the long term, not just patch the immediate gaps," he added.
Yesterday, the MMA urged the government to take immediate action to prevent a worsening brain drain among domestic medical professionals.
Among the suggestions proposed was for the ministry to do away with the contract system for new doctors and offer permanent positions in the government, fulfil the promise to increase on-call allowances, establish clear career pathways for specialisation, amend policies to allow more doctors to undergo specialist training and rectify the current disparity in regional incentive payments.