Dzulkefly holds out hope for contract pharmacists

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the Malaysian government is collaborating with the finance ministry to swiftly integrate contract pharmacists into permanent roles within the health ministry. As of July, 3,545 contract pharmacists remained in service, along with 115 on a reserve list or awaiting permanent appointments, according to Dzulkefly.

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) had urged the government for clarity on contract pharmacists' status and a clear path for those seeking permanent employment, following the government's decision to absorb all contract doctors and housemanship graduates. MPS president Amrahi Buang highlighted ongoing uncertainty for contract pharmacists concerning permanent appointments, career growth, and their future within public healthcare.

He called for a transparent timeline and mechanism for the permanent recruitment of eligible pharmacists. Regarding nurses, Dzulkefly revealed that the ministry is accelerating nurse recruitment and enhancing support to retain existing staff, with measures including salary adjustments under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) and increased incentives.

The National Liver Health Initiative Roadmap 2026-2030 was presented in Kuala Lumpur, during which Dzulkefly emphasized maintaining a 42-hour weekly work limit for shift nurses, expanding training and promotion opportunities, and offering greater flexibility through a mutual exchange system. The ministry had ceased to recruit nurses on a contractual basis, offering all new recruits permanent appointments instead.