Mandatory service for doctors eased

KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory service for doctors can be reduced from two years to just one year, says Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic).

The Health director-general said contract medical officers who do not get permanent positions six months after applying would be free to leave as well.

Free Malaysia Today quoted Dr Noor Hisham from a recent circular as saying affected doctors may apply for a reduction, suspension or exemption of their compulsory service.

"Registered medical practitioners who do not get any offer six months after applying for permanent posts are eligible to apply for exemption from the mandatory service.

“Those who have served at least one year of the mandatory service may apply for the exemption," he was quoted as saying.

Dr Noor Hisham said only the Health Minister or the director-general was authorised to approve these applications.

He said this exemption applied to doctors currently practising abroad who wish to return to work in Malaysia as well.

"They may apply for an exemption if they are above 40 years old irrespective of whether they hold post-graduate qualifications.

"Those wishing to put their compulsory service on hold to pursue their studies, serve other public agencies or the armed forces may apply, provided they agree to return to complete the unexpired term," he said.

It was reported that the Public Service Department (JPA) announced on July 4 that contract doctors, dentists and pharmacists under its scholarships are permitted to apply for a release from their bonds.

Previously, those who broke their bonds faced a penalty ranging from RM300,000 to RM1mil, depending on their country of study.

Contract doctors appointed after 2016, as well as those who had taken loans before 2016, are eligible to terminate their bonds.

Last year (2021), the Health Ministry said that between December 2016 and May 31, 2021, a total of 23,077 doctors were appointed on a contract basis to undergo graduate training and compulsory service.

Of that number, only 789 (31.47%) of the 2,544 officers from the 2016 and 2017 batches had been offered permanent appointments by the government.