Health Ministry to immediately fill vacant posts of contract doctors

 

The Health Ministry will immediately fill the vacant posts of contract doctors in government clinics and hospitals following the absorption of nearly 4,000 contract doctors into permanent positions.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (above) said immediate measures were taken to avoid the shortage of medical officers in addition to ensuring the smooth running of the national health service.

“When there is a placement from a trainee doctor to a medical officer, of course, there will be a replacement after that.

“So, InsyaAllah, we will take everything into account. We will look after the welfare of our staff,” she told reporters after officiating at the 2023 National Know Your Medicines Conference in Putrajaya today.

Zaliha was responding to the statement issued by Hartal Doktor Kontrak yesterday, which said that vacancies in government clinics and hospitals would disrupt the smooth running of the country's health services.

She said the cabinet on April 1 agreed to establish a high-level committee, which would consist of representatives from several ministries and agencies, to address the issue of contract doctors.

Zaliha said the committee had conducted a series of engagements, including with the Malaysian Medical Association to look into issues concerning contract doctors from all angles.

At the 2023 National Know Your Medicines Conference, she said her ministry is aware that some individuals prefer to self-medicate by purchasing medicines from community pharmacies, traditional medicine shops, and online retailers.

“Users are at risk of being exposed to harmful effects that endanger their health if they do not have in-depth knowledge of the disease and the suitability of the medicine taken,” she said.

- Bernama