Health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said these appeals came from medical officers who wanted to pursue specialisation studies, those facing serious family problems and those with security issues.

“These appeals were approved on June 27 and July 24 after reviewing appeals from 1,843 of the 4,155 medical officers who were offered permanent positions.

Zaliha said the placements were necessary as the disparity between contract officers and permanent officers was high in a number of states.

During a special media conference here today, she said the ministry had set up several channels for medical officers to appeal.

They were done through the “Google form” or face-to-face appeals. Three dedicated telephone lines were also allocated for medical officers to get in touch with the ministry’s human resources department.

Zaliha said not all appeals could be approved because positions for the officers may not be vacant in certain states they apply for.

They may be offered positions in nearby states.

Zaliha said those transferred can appeal to their respective heads of department to determine the actual date they are able to report for duty.

She said the ministry was aware that the relocation of medical officers can leave a void in many departments, hospitals and clinics.