The Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (SCHOMOS), said a number of “chronic” issues had been brought to the government’s attention since 2019 with little action taken to remedy them.
Firstly, it said there is a lack of manpower in the public healthcare system, with Malaysia’s doctor to patient ratio of 1 to 454 falling behind Singapore’s (1:399) and that of the United States (1:277).
“This scenario was clearly seen during the recent outbreak in Sabah where clearly there was a problem with the distribution of healthcare workers,” MMA president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said in a statement today.
“In fact, many hospitals in the country could not be converted to Covid-19 treating hospitals due to the lack of human resources as well.”
He also criticised the much-maligned contract doctor system, which many quarters have described as “messy, biased and a failure”.
He said this was because the system designed to offer fresh medical graduates with jobs has left many uncertain about the prospects in the government sector and their future in the medical field.
“There are no clear criteria for promotion to permanent service and no concrete specialisation pathway. We strongly urge that the criteria for absorption into permanent posts be made available,” Subramaniam said.
Pointing out that the calls to increase permanent roles or extend contract duration had been made since before the Covid-19 pandemic, he said “all we have received is empty lip service”.
Subramaniam added that the failure to improve the system could lead to talented doctors seeking opportunities abroad.
He also questioned assurances made by health minister Dr Adham Baba in November that contract medical officers would see a pay grade increase from UD41 to UD43 to reflect their duties being on par with their permanent counterparts, as there have been no updates or change since the announcement was made.
Finally, Subramaniam said that the Critical Service Incentive Payment that was nearly revoked early last year with plans to revisit the matter must remain and not be questioned, and that any review should only pertain to an increase in the amount.
This critical allowance is RM750 a month for doctors, pharmacists and dentists, and up to 15% of the monthly basic salary for nurses.
“Let there be no doubt that healthcare workers are critical to the nation and this should be recognised and not questioned.”
He noted that these issues have been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the health ministry, and MMA awaits their response.
“We appeal to you and hope that you will take drastic and immediate action for the sake of the country that we all love and serve.”