CONTRACT doctors are distancing themselves from a nationwide strike called by a small group of their fraternity, Mogok Doktor Malaysia (Malaysian Doctors on Strike), due to take place on April 3-5 over grievances about the system and low wages.

Mogok Doktor Malaysia is calling on contract doctors to show solidarity by either taking emergency or medical leave on the dates of the walkout.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a contract doctor from Negri Sembilan said they were not impressed with Mogok Doktor Malaysia’s poor planning and communication.

The doctor claimed the proposed strike was not as organised as the Hartal Doktor Kontrak dispute two years ago.

“Here, there is no proper communication, aside from the Instagram page and posts.

“The group doesn’t have any representatives or co-ordinators. Everything is very ambiguous.

“It is best that I go to work on the said days,” the doctor said.

Earlier, in an Instagram post, Mogok Doktor Malaysia had warned the public to expect longer waiting times at public health clinics and hospitals on April 3-5, due to the protest.

The group estimated some 8,000 contract doctors will take part.

The group demands absorption of all contract medical officers into permanent positions without any conditions or interviews; basic salary increment; higher on-call rates; a resolution to the shortage of specialists, medical officers and house officers; and an automatic reduction in the compulsory service term for medical officers to three years.

Another contract doctor that The Malaysian Insight contacted also wanted to know who was behind the strike.

“We are not sure of who is leading this strike, except for some of their Instagram posts urging us to take part.

“Everything, except the call for strike seems to be done in secret,” the doctor from Selangor said.

“The intention is well meant and we don’t mind taking emergency or medical leave, but we need to know with whom we are liaising and who is behind this.

“We are contract doctors just like them and we are in the same boat, so there is no need to be secretive about it, at least to us,” the doctor said, suggesting that the entire strike could lose its purpose if the group is not transparent, even among fellow contract staff.

“Who will be the spokesman if the government decides to have a discussion? If we are questioned by the hospital director or head of department about our leave, and are threatened with retrospective action, who will come to our aid?

“We don’t know anyone here. At least have someone to co-ordinate things in every hospital.

“Since we don’t know the people behind this, this could sabotage doctors who could possibly be given a permanent posting soon,” the doctor said, adding that the group should take some tips from Hartal Doktor Kontrak on organising a protest.

On July 26, 2021, Hartal Doktor Kontrak held a nationwide strike to urge the government to offer contract doctors better terms and permanent positions. 

The group also called for another strike six months later but it was called off when then health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he would raise the issue with the cabinet.

However, Hartal Doktor Kontrak has also distanced itself from this current strike, despite dissatisfaction with the government over the on-call allowance provided to doctors.

Mass resignations

Meanwhile, The Star reported Mogok Doktor Malaysia also saying that 3,000 contract medical officers would resign tomorrow.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, a contract doctor from a hospital in the Federal Territories said that he will tender his resignation today, but denied being part of the group.

“Certainly, I’m quitting because there is a lack of opportunity in government, not because I’m part of the group. It is just a total coincidence. 

“I’ve been with the government since 2018 and yet to receive a call for permanent posting.

“If this practice continues, I’m not sure when I could possibly get into specialist studies. Considering my career, age and commitment, I think it is best that I quit and go private,” he said.

There were close to 30,000 contract doctors in public service as of 2022, while a total of 3,386 contract medical officers quit the Health Ministry between 2017 and 2022. – March 31, 2023.