00:00An alleged double standard in the health ministry's contract policy has left pharmacists stuck
00:06in the system while medical officers have a pathway to permanent employment, says the
00:11Malaysian Pharmacists Society.
00:14Its president, Amrahi Buang, said the perceived unequal treatment has unsettled the profession
00:19and the government must explain why pharmacists have been excluded.
00:23He said the contract policy had backfired, pushing pharmacists out of the public health
00:28system and straining patient services, a situation he said will worsen by year-end as more contracts
00:35expire.
00:36Earlier this month, FMT reported that 45 experienced contract pharmacists were set to lose their
00:43jobs on April 4 after failing to receive appointment letters, despite being offered permanent posts
00:48last October.
00:50The health ministry later said there would be no extensions for pharmacists who had reached
00:54the five-year contract limit, although they may reapply when permanent positions open
00:59in 2027.
01:00In contrast, Health Minister Zulkifili Ahmad announced in February that the contract system
01:05for medical officers will be phased out to address staffing shortages.
01:11Former Senator Dr. R.A.
01:12Lingeshwaran and Galen Center for Health and Social Policy CEO Azro Mohamad Qalib said the
01:18broader contract system has created insecurity, disrupted continuity, and weakened confidence
01:23in public healthcare.
01:25Natasha Bust, FMT.
Comments