HARTAL Doktor Kontrak (HDK) today submitted a memorandum to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressing concern over the current state of contract doctors and healthcare workers in Malaysia.

In the memorandum, the group thanked the recent efforts taken by the ministry to address some of the issues faced by contract doctors but urged for consideration on three other requests.

Among them, HDK requested the group to be included in the high-level committee to discuss long-standing issues concerning contract doctors.

“We believe that having a representative from Hartal Doktor Kontrak in this committee will allow for a more comprehensive and balanced discussion on the issues faced by contract doctors,” the memorandum read.

The group also urged the government to expedite the formation of the Health Services Commission and Health Reform Commission, adding that these commissions would play a critical role in ensuring the welfare and job security of contract healthcare workers in the country.

The group also requested the government to take steps to improve the welfare of contract healthcare workers.

“This includes addressing issues such as job security, career progression and access to benefits and various perks which are currently only applicable to permanent healthcare workers,” it said.

“We believe that by improving the welfare of contract healthcare workers, the government will be able to attract and retain more healthcare professionals in Malaysia, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

“Their sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic should not be in vain.”

HDK became the voice of contract doctors in the country when it organised a nationwide peaceful strike on July 26, 2021, protesting against the government’s contract system in appointing medical officers, which was implemented at the end of 2016. – April 11, 2023.