KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry must show consistent progress or at least introduce reforms when dealing with issues relating to contract doctors, said former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said understandably, the government could never meet all of the demands made by contract officers in the health service but some progress must be made in the effort to resolve the long-standing issue.
Recalling his time in office, Khairy said among others, he had created 4,053 permanent positions involving medical officers, dental officers, and pharmacy officers.
He also suggested the Finance Ministry to create 1,500 additional permanent appointments every year.
The former Rembau member of parliament said he fought for special benefits such as cancer and tuberculosis leaves, and recommended the granting of special fares to contract officers visiting their home regions.
"I also met with a group of doctors, including Hartal Doktor Kontrak and others who were involved in making demands when I was the health minister.
"Not to say that I have solved this problem but what the young, junior, and contract doctors are looking forward to is a solution.
"I think that it is a big demand. For example, they want all contract doctors to be absorbed permanently (in the civil service). I think that is impossible which was what I had told them when I was the minister.
"But, what I did was show them progress. I know you can't meet 100 per cent of their demands.
"So, I fought for the appointment or the creation of new permanent positions," he said during a talk show, Keluar Sebentar, on YouTube, today.
He added that the 4,000 permanent posts created during his tenure had never happened since 2016 but he still championed the effort to resolve the issue.
He said the move did not solve all of the problems faced by more than 10,000 contract doctors in the public health service, but the effort could still be seen as a "light at the end of the tunnel" for those involved.
"So, my message to the doctors going on strike, keep fighting for your rights. Because there must be efforts from the Health Ministry... To the Health Ministry, I know and I understand the minister's position.
"We cannot agree 100 per cent with the demands we get because it is impossible. But at least show some progress," he added.
Khairy recommended some other improvements such as increasing the on-call allowance or increasing the number of additional permanent appointments from 1,500 to 2,500 people annually.
He hoped that the addition of 1,000 more permanent appointments, would provide opportunities for contract-appointed officers to apply for the position.
"At least they will feel that their voices are being heard.
"I was there with you even for a short time. I tried my best and I hope this government will do the best for you." he said.
