Some docs have just given up on fighting for better deals

JOHOR BARU: Doctors here are not going on strike despite the call by a group to take leave from April 3 to April 5.

However, it’s not because they don’t support the cause. They have just given up and believe there is no point in fighting any more. A contract doctor said that although she and most of her peers are not taking part in the planned strike, it does not mean that they are not unhappy over how they are being treated.

“Personally, I feel that taking leave or having a demonstration is pointless. Whether or not we protest, things will still stay the same. Similar protests have been done but nothing has changed.

“Honestly, I am tired. I am not taking part in any of the protest because I have given up hope that things will actually change,” she said.

She said that apart from not having permanent jobs, the period taken for doctors to see an increase in their pay grade has also got longer.

“In terms of workload, it really depends on where you are posted but generally, health workers in government facilities, whether it is doctors or nurses, are severely understaffed. The only way to solve this is for the Health Ministry to increase its manpower,” she said.

Asked if any of her peers are heeding the call of the Mogok Doktor Malaysia group, she said that there are but the numbers are insignificant.

A representative from the Johor Doctors Association said contract doctors taking part in the movement should not be painted in a bad light as they are out of options.

“We need to get to the root of the problem. The doctors’ frustration must be acknowledged. They are only asking for the bare minimum – job security, a decent pay and a proper pathway,” he said.