{
  "id": 14416555,
  "title": "Set quota, timeline for permanent pharmacists’ posts, health ministry told",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/set-quota-timeline-for-permanent-pharmacists-posts-health-ministry-14416555",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-14T08:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/14/set-quota-timeline-for-permanent-pharmacists-posts-health-ministry-told"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has called on the health ministry to establish a clear quota, selection process, and timeline for converting contract pharmacists into permanent staff. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad indicated the ministry would recommend absorbing contract pharmacists into permanent roles for consideration by the finance ministry and Cabinet. The society requested specifics on the number of positions to be proposed, the timeline for approval, and the eligibility of contract pharmacists. They also inquired about the status of pharmacists who have completed their contracts but wish to continue working. With 3,545 contract pharmacists currently serving and another 115 awaiting permanent posts, the MPS questioned if the 115 would have priority, and if pharmacists whose contracts have ended could still be considered. The society's president, Amrahi Buang, welcomed the proposal for a new quota for permanent pharmacy and dental officers, separate from the 9,000 permanent medical officer positions in the 2027 budget. However, Buang emphasized that the priority now is to create a clear, transparent, and implementable pathway for this commitment. The affected pharmacists need certainty to make informed career decisions within the public healthcare system. The MPS believes resolving this issue requires a broader, sustainable pharmacy workforce strategy that addresses staffing needs, retention, career development, and the evolving roles of pharmacists in healthcare. The Public Pharmacists Chapter will continue gathering feedback from affected pharmacists and advocating for fair and sustainable career pathways.",
  "summary": "Society also wants to know the number of positions, and eligibility criteria for absorbing contract pharmacists into permanent service.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Set quota, timeline for permanent pharmacists’ posts, health ministry told",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/set-quota-timeline-for-permanent-pharmacists-posts-health-ministry",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:16:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}