Contract doctors’ group hails permanent posts offer

Contract doctors are celebrating a move by the Malaysian government to offer permanent positions to over 9,000 contract doctors in the public healthcare service, according to a doctors group known as Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK). In a statement, HDK described the government's announcement as a "significant turning point" for Malaysia's medical workforce.

HDK highlighted that contract doctors have been protesting the lack of permanent positions for five years, especially during the Covid-19 movement control order when they were working. The group expressed gratitude for the government's decision but remained cautious and optimistic about its implementation. HDK emphasized that the true test of the commitment lies in the execution, transparency, and tangible impact of the initiative.

The doctors group stressed that clear timelines, fair eligibility criteria, and proper recognition of contract doctors who have served for years were crucial to prevent anyone from being left behind. HDK noted that after ten years, contract doctors had waited long enough for such a change and deserved more than mere promises. The announcement, HDK stated, has given them hope, and now it is up to the implementation to turn that hope into reality.