KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to abolish the contract system for government doctors are being looked into, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the system was initially introduced as an interim measure at a time when there was a supposed influx of medical graduates.
“It began in 2016 as an interim measure, meaning that there is a start date and an end date.
“From 2016 to 2025, it’s been more than nine years and this interim system is still around.
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“I have proposed working towards ending the contract era.
“God willing, we are hoping to resolve the issue comprehensively and promptly,” he told a press conference after launching the National Organ Donation Awareness Week here yesterday.
Dzulkefly said the Health director-general has begun looking into this.
The minister’s comments come after the issue was raised in the Dewan Rakyat recently.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii proposed that the government abolish the contract system among doctors to address the issue of health worker shortages in health facilities.
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He also called for a review of the on-call allowances for healthcare staff and the creation of clearer career pathways to specialisation.
Dzulkefly had earlier hinted at making a strong push to resolve the long-standing issue.
“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 an online post.
In July, Dzulkefly also said the ministry was expediting the transition of contract doctors to permanent positions.
