MPS president Amrahi Buang also called for a revamp of the contract system for young healthcare workers.

“The flaws from the current contract employment system for healthcare workers, including pharmacists, leave many in dismay over the uncertainties of the future,” he said.

“It is saddening to see their training opportunities stifled due to the stipulated contract period, which causes many to exit the system prematurely, being unable to pursue their desired career pathway in the government sector.”

Opening the National Pharmacists Convention 2021, Amrahi called for pharmacists at all levels to support the group’s “Review And Revamp ‘Inhumane’ Contract System For Pharmacists Too!” drive, which has garnered over 3,500 signatures since its launch a week ago.

“We are left with no choice but to launch a solidarity call to review and revamp the current contract employment system in our public healthcare sector, in tandem with other healthcare workers,” he said.

He said that with regard to the long-term sustainability of the national healthcare system, it was time to revisit the development of a national healthcare financing policy, which had long been proposed but to no avail.

“There should be no other alternatives than the healthcare financing policy to ensure greater equity and accessibility to healthcare without increasing pressure on the health expenditure in Malaysia’s GDP per year.”

Amrahi said that while different models have been presented, they have typically centred on a single-payer insurance model to improve overall access to quality healthcare and reduce the burden placed on government facilities.

“I wish to reiterate that all our visions and plans would not be successful if the issues of healthcare financing are not well-addressed,” he said.