MOH approves appeals by 332 medical officers in transfer process

The Health Ministry (MOH) has approved appeals for the transfer of 332 medical officers (MOs) throughout the country and they will be required to report for duty on July 31.

According to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, among the appeals considered were for MOs who want to pursue specialisation studies in their respective professions, those who faced serious family problems, and security reasons.

“The appeals were approved on June 27 and July 24 after reviewing appeals from 1,843 of the 4,155 medical officers who were offered permanent positions.

“The placement this time will be made via a system and needs the medical officers to choose their placement because the disparity between contract officers and permanent officers can be high in a number of states and to give medical officers a fair opportunity to choose their placements,” she said.

She was speaking to reporters during a special media conference in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, today.

Commenting further, Zaliha said the MOH set up several channels for MOs to appeal including a Google form, and face-to-face appeals, while three dedicated telephone lines were allocated for MOs to get in touch with the Human Resources Department.

“The Appeals Panel during their meetings will consider the appeals of all officers but not all appeals can be approved because positions involving the officers might not be vacant in certain states they applied for.

“Consideration will be given to those who need such placements.

“When reviewing the appeals, MOs will also be offered to serve in other states nearby although they have appealed to serve in a certain state.

“It happens when the state in question does not have vacancies. When there are no vacancies in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Malacca, placements in Johor, Pahang, or Kedah might be offered,” she said.

No need to wait for offer letter

The MOs can go straight to their respective workplace approved by the MOH without waiting for their letter of offer because their respective placements will have their record when they report for duty.

“However, if MOs seek to report later than the date of appointment, they can appeal to their respective heads of department to determine the actual date they will report for duty,” she said.

The MOH is also aware that the transition of MOs and relocation can leave a void in the many departments, hospitals, and clinics they have served.

- Bernama

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