Health Ministry offers one-year, one-off contract to junior doctors

PETALING JAYA: Existing junior doctors will be offered a one-year contract on a one-off basis as medical officers, says the Health Ministry.

The ministry said that the offer was made via a circular to junior doctors in the Grade UD43 category, in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

"Placement for the purpose of reappointment on a contract basis is maintained, unless a change is instructed by the head of department.

"However, the head of department is requested to prioritise the junior doctors’ placement to the vaccination centres (PPV), in line with the implementation of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, " states the ministry's circular which was reported by a news portal on Tuesday (July 5).

The ministry said that applications will be opened between July 5 and 11 via the e-Housemen portal.

The offer was for a contract basis as medical officers from Dec 5, 2021 to Dec 4, 2022.

The move to absorb the junior doctors under contract comes after protest by some quarters and organisations such as the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) over the contract appointment of medical officers.

Last Wednesday (June 30), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the issue of contract medical officers who have not been absorbed into permanent posts will be brought to a Cabinet meeting.

Dr Adham said that as of May 31, there were 35, 216 contract appointments for the three main schemes, namely 23, 077 UD41 medical officers, 5, 000 UG41 dental officers, and 7, 139 UF41 pharmacists.