MMA president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said the longstanding issue of contract doctors has not been resolved and from the look of things, this issue might be put on hold due to politics.

Subramaniam said health workers seem to be taken for granted and many feel their services are only needed now because of the pandemic.

“We have already lost close to 400 junior doctors who decided they have had enough, while the patience of their colleagues is wearing thin. It may be a matter of time before more throw in the towel,” he said in a statement.

“The Hippocratic oath is often emphasised but our comrades are being stretched to the limit. Many have even perished from Covid-19.”

Subramaniam reiterated that the government should not take this issue lightly as the growing frustration could seriously impact the healthcare system.

He said that though a downtrend is expected in hospital admissions by the end of August due to ramped-up vaccinations, public hospitals are still overwhelmed, with some states starting to see a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Subramaniam also said it has been close to a month since Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin informed MMA that it would be invited for policy discussions. However, none have taken place to date.

“MMA hopes that while the nation faces yet another uncertainty in leadership, these issues will not be conveniently forgotten.

“Whoever the government of the day is, it must ensure the well-being of healthcare workers remains a high priority especially during this pandemic,” he said.