KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has welcomed the government’s responsive action in addressing employment concerns involving contract pharmacists from the 2021 cohort, describing the development as an important step towards strengthening Malaysia’s public healthcare workforce.
In a statement on Friday (Dec 26), MPS expressed its appreciation to the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Public Services Commission (PSC) for their willingness to listen to concerns raised and for taking follow-up action regarding the employment status of affected pharmacists.
The society said approximately 379 contract pharmacists have received offer letters for permanent appointments, while the remaining pharmacists from the same cohort have been granted a one-year extension of reserve list status, easing concerns over job uncertainty as the maximum five-year contract period ends in April 2026.
MPS also recorded its appreciation to Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran for raising the matter in the Dewan Negara, noting that his intervention helped ensure the issue received policy-level attention.
"The Malaysian Pharmacists Society welcomes the positive developments following continued engagement with the relevant authorities and appreciates the government’s readiness to listen and respond to the concerns raised,” the statement said.
The society said it believes the latest measures demonstrate the government’s openness to addressing healthcare workforce issues based on service needs and ground-level realities.
MPS also expressed hope that the issue of the Regional Incentive Payment, particularly its impact on healthcare professionals serving in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, would be reviewed comprehensively.
"We hope that ongoing dialogue will translate into long-term solutions that strengthen healthcare workforce stability and ensure continuity of care for the public,” said MPS President Hon Prof Amrahi Buang. - Bernama
