In a recent circular, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said affected doctors may apply for a reduction, suspension or exemption of their compulsory service.  A similar offer has been extended to other medical practitioners tied to mandatory service with the government.

“Registered medical practitioners who do not get any offer six months after applying for permanent posts are eligible to apply for exemption from mandatory service.

“Those who have served at least one year of the mandatory service can also apply for the exemption. Only the health minister or the director-general is authorised to approve these applications,” Noor Hisham said in the circular sighted by FMT.

Noor Hisham said doctors presently practising abroad who wish to return to work in Malaysia may apply for an exemption if they are above 40 years old irrespective of whether they hold post-graduate qualifications.

Those wishing to put their compulsory service on hold to pursue their studies, serve other public agencies or the armed forces may also apply provided they agree to return to complete the unexpired term.

Contract doctors told FMT the move would allow them to opt out of government service since many are still without permanent positions due to limited vacancies.

“The number of contract doctors awaiting permanent positions is growing by the year. There are about 30,000 right now. In a recently concluded interview, more than 6,000 applied to fill 3,100 vacancies,” he said.

Earlier this month, the public services department (JPA) offered to release thousands of doctors, dentists and pharmacists on government scholarships from existing service bonds.

Officers under contract whose bonds were cancelled were given the option of continuing in service. Those already appointed to permanent positions were not affected.

The government’s move is seen as an attempt to contain the number of contract medical professionals in public service. Prior to this, government scholars were obliged to serve for 10 years, inclusive of their period of internship and mandatory service.