Minister hints at possible end of contract doctor system
'To all our doctors. We hear you, we value you, we are with you, always. Together, we will endeavour to end the era of contract doctors (from what was supposedly an interim arrangement in 2016),' he said in a post on X.
The contract system was introduced in 2016 to cope with a surplus of medical graduates but has since drawn criticism for creating a host of problems, including manpower shortages, brain drain and job insecurity.
The issue became especially critical during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the limitations of the system were laid bare.
Before 2016, medical officers were appointed on a permanent basis.
The Malaysian Medical Association has also called for the abolition of the contract system to ensure better retention of doctors in the public healthcare sector.
Dzulkefly also said that offer letters for permanent appointments will be issued on Aug 18, with reporting dates starting as early as Oct 2.
The appointments will be carried out in three phases, and the minister gave his assurance that principles of fairness and seniority will be upheld.
The Health Ministry has been working closely with the Finance Ministry, Public Service Commission and Public Service Department to fast-track hiring.
Responding to a comment from netizen Farid Ibrahim, who highlighted disparities between contract and permanent doctors in terms of pay and career progression, Dzulkefly acknowledged the concern and pledged action.
'I'm fully aware of this predicament and have already initiated action to correct and regularise this irregularity. Wish us well,' he replied.
Farid had pointed out that under the current system, years of service under contract are not counted toward salary grade or promotions, effectively forcing doctors to start from zero when converted to permanent roles.
On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that 4,352 new doctors will be hired this year.
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