HEALTH Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has thanked medical personnel for prioritising patients over personal interests following the purported strike involving contract doctors.

In a statement, Zaliha reiterated that a strike is not the best solution for every problem, adding that the matter needs to be dealt with prudently and professionally through the right platform.

“The Health Ministry greatly appreciates the commitment and high professionalism shown by health workers in the public service.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to all health workers who are always ready to provide services to the people and at the same time rejected the recent call for a strike among doctors.”

“The strike failed to paralyse health services and it is seen as a provocation as it was willing to take advantage of the safety and lives of the people,” said Zaliha.

Earlier this week, a group of government doctors were supposed to hold a three-day strike.

The group, which identified itself as Mogok Doktor Malaysia, claimed that more than 8,000 contract doctors would be going on strike to protest “unfair systems” and “low wages”.

However, the group is not related to the Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement, which is also fighting for a similar cause.

Zaliha had previously announced that the cabinet had agreed to establish a high-level committee to deal with the contract doctors’ issue.

However, the group spokesman claimed the strike was successful.

They claimed that the patient rate was reduced by 30% yesterday which made the number of personnel adequate without the presence of contract doctors.

The spokesman added they are satisfied that they could at least highlight the issue of contract doctors to the public and politicians.

The group is also looking forward to cooperating with any political parties which would fight for their rights. – April 7, 2023.