HARTAL Doktor Kontrak (HDK) has urged Putrajaya to set aside more funding in Budget 2024 for doctors to get permanent jobs.

It is an issue of great concern to 15,000 contract doctors in the country, the group said.

HDK spokesman Dr Yassin Muhammad said it has been engaging with the Health Ministry (MOH) on the matter and was told it is a continuous process and that the ministry still is trying to push for a higher budget.

“Our suggestion to the government is to look into providing funds in Budget 2024 to give 3,000 to 4,000 doctors permanent positions.

“If this could be done each year then it would be good. We have been discussing these issues with the MOH,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said for the 2023 intake, the Public Service Department had given a one-time offer of 4,000 permanent positions against previous years, where the intake was about 1,500 per year.

“The average intake of housemen per year is about 4,000 to 5,000 – on contract status – but the government is only giving out 1,500 permanent slots per year.

“Currently we are looking at about 15,000 contract doctors who are still seeking full-time jobs, including the 5,000 housemen who joined this year.

“We are not sure if they will increase the number of permanent positions next year.”

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa had announced in June MOH will immediately fill the vacant posts of contract doctors in government clinics and hospitals following the absorption of nearly 4,000 contract doctors into permanent positions.

She said immediate measures were taken to prevent a shortage of medical officers and ensure a smooth running of the national health service.

Yassin said the government should also look into permanent positions for dentists and pharmacists.

He also hoped the government could look into allocating at least 5% of the country’s GDP to MOH.

“This includes allocation for doctors and expenditure to provide better healthcare for the people. They are stressed because there are too many patients.”

HDK said last year, a record 1,354 contract medical officers resigned, surpassing the total from the preceding two years combined.

“This marked a staggering 1,131% increase over five years, with resignations escalating from 110 in 2017 to reach four figures for the first time last year.

“Ensuring their stability is crucial for the healthcare system’s efficiency and effectiveness.”

Among their other proposals for Budget 2024 is the expansion of the Madani Medical Scheme to include more private clinics.

“Currently, this scheme serves a limited portion of the population, targeting B40 and mainly in big cities.

“Increasing its scope would significantly augment healthcare accessibility to everyone and reduce congestion issues that have been plaguing emergency departments in government hospitals.”

HDK also added that a substantial allocation is imperative for the upgrading of hospitals and clinics nationwide, of which many are in a state of disrepair.

“Modern, well-equipped facilities are essential in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.”

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. – October 10, 2023.