Hartal Doktor Kontrak submits memorandum to Health Minister

PETALING JAYA: The formation of a Health Services Commission and improving the welfare of contract healthcare workers are among the requests the Hartal Doktor Kontrak group has put forth in its memorandum to the Health Minister.

The movement wants the formation of the Health Services Commission to be expedited. It is also calling for the Healthcare Reforms Commission to be formed.

“We believe that these commissions will play a critical role in ensuring the welfare and job security of contract healthcare workers in Malaysia,” the memorandum read.

“We request that the Health Ministry and the Malaysian government take steps to improve the welfare of contract healthcare workers in Malaysia.

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“This includes addressing issues such as job security, career progression, and access to benefits and various perks which are currently only applicable to permanent healthcare workers.

“We believe that by improving the welfare of contract healthcare workers, the government will be able to attract and retain more healthcare professionals in Malaysia, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system,” it added.

It also requested for a representative from the group to be included in the high-level committee to discuss long-standing issues concerning contract doctors.

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“We believe that having a representative from Hartal Doktor Kontrak in this committee would allow for a more comprehensive and balanced discussion on the issues faced by contract doctors,” it said in the memorandum addressed to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The group said the memorandum’s purpose was to express its concern over the state of affairs surrounding contract doctors and healthcare workers.

“As you are aware, contract healthcare workers have been facing long-standing issues regarding their welfare and job security, which we believe must be addressed urgently,” it said.

“Their sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic should not be in vain. We hope that you will consider our requests and take the necessary steps to ensure the welfare and job security of contract healthcare workers in Malaysia,” it added.

The absorption of contract staff into the civil service with permanent positions has been a long-standing issue since the contract system was introduced in 2016.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said recently that over 12,000 permanent positions will be offered to contract doctors within three years.