The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) urged Putrajaya to review and revamp the “inhumane” contract system that led to uncertainty in their employment in the government service and in their future as healthcare professionals.

“MPS would like to highlight that 1,966 contract pharmacists are concerned over the uncertainties of their future, despite the extension announced by health minister Dr Adham Baba in February,” its president Amrahi Buang said in a statement.

He added that a recent survey it conducted with 563 members of the MPS Young Pharmacists Chapter revealed that contract pharmacists continued to seek clarity in terms of job security and transparency on the selection criteria for permanent positions.

“Much like contract medical officers, career advancement opportunities for contract pharmacists have also been severely stifled due to the three-year contract cap, leading to many exiting the system prematurely and unable to pursue their desired career pathway in the civil service.”

Amrahi also called for the health ministry to be more transparent and fair with regard to promotions for pharmacists.

He reiterated MPS’ stand that there should not be any ethnic-driven policies when it comes to healthcare.

“Such discriminating policies are regressive and unacceptable in this multiracial country. Saving lives should be ‘colour blind’,” Amrahi said.

He added that while the role of pharmacists was often overlooked, this healthcare group had been steadfast in serving the country.

“While pharmacists have not always been given the limelight in our fight, let’s not forget that we are not inferior to our counterparts in the medical field and deserve equal attention, to resolve this long-standing issue.”