MHC: Strike possibility shows govt's failure to look after junior doctors

The possibility of a strike by junior doctors suggests that the government has failed to adequately protect their welfare, said the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) in a statement signed by 24 groups and 10 individuals.

They urged the government to provide durable solutions and fair employment terms for all junior health professionals and issued a reminder that sincere political will is needed to solve contract doctors’ problems.

"The issue of contract doctors and other healthcare professionals require joint solutions by the Health Ministry, Public Service Department and potentially the prime minister or cabinet.

"Five years of the contract system have led to discontentment, departures from the civil service and Malaysia, and an exhausted health workforce.

"Additionally, if the Health Ministry is indeed the only ministry with contract posts for professional-grade civil servants, this is an unfair anomaly. The contract system must be drastically improved with durable and fair solutions, to recognise all doctors and health professionals for their service," said the MHC. 

The group also welcomed the Health Ministry secretary-general's reassurance that employment and promotion within the ministry were based on merit and performance, and not driven by race or religion.

"We support equality and reject any discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, age or other characteristics. We call for transparency in the criteria and decisions for hiring and promotions.

"Health professionals serve all rakyat, and a diverse workforce is needed for a culturally diverse Malaysia," it added.

This came after Health Ministry secretary-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah clarified an earlier statement by Health Minister Dr Adham Baba and said all past appointments of medical officers to permanent positions have been based on merit and performance during their housemanship.

Last week, Adham released a controversial statement saying his ministry took note of suggestions by the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association (PPPKAM) and Malaysian Muslim Doctors' Organisation (Perdim) to allow more medical graduates “especially among the bumiputera” to serve in permanent positions to lower the unemployment rate in the country’s professional field.

On the broader issue, the MHC argued that the contract system is treating junior doctors and health professionals like expendable assets.

"The government must show compassionate and thoughtful leadership, instead of issuing high-handed press statements that are insensitive.

"Junior health professionals have served Malaysia during this Covid-19 pandemic, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that must be repaid through better terms of service.

"They should be allowed to make their voices and concerns heard, and meaningful channels for regular engagement should exist without threats of repercussions," the MHC said. 

It reminded the government that the Black Monday movement, a sign of solidarity with junior doctors and health professionals, was gaining traction.

"Malaysia’s most valuable healthcare resource is our health professionals, and we must appropriately recognise their contributions.

"Now is the time for durable and fair solutions. Without political will to resolve this issue, the long-term health of the rakyat will suffer," the MHC added. 

A full signature list to the MHC statement includes:

Organisations

1. Academy of Medicine Malaysia
2. Asthma Malaysia
3. College of Ophthalmologists
4. College of Physicians
5. College of Anaesthesiologists
6. College of Surgeons
7. Dermatology Society of Malaysia
8. Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM)
9. Lung Cancer Network of Malaysia
10. Malaysian Thoracic Society
11. Malaysian Association for Dental Public Health Specialists
12. Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants
13. Malaysian Paediatric Association
14. Malaysian Pharmacists Society
15. Malaysian Society of Anaesthesiologists
16. Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology
17. Malaysian Society of Occupational Safety and Health
18. Medical Mythbusters Malaysia
19. Medical Practitioners Coalition Assoc of Malaysia
20. MMA Public Health Society
21. Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia
22. Public Health Malaysia
23. Public Health Physicians Association of Malaysia
24. #OpsHarapan

Individuals

1. Dr Amar Singh-HSS
2. Dr Zulkifli Ismail
3. Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit
4. Prof Dr Asri Said
5. Prof Dr Roslina Abdul Manap
6. Prof Dr Shaiful Bahari Ismail
7. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh
8. Prof Dr Uma Devi Palanisamy
9. Prof Dr Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy
10. Dr Khor Swee Kheng

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