KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 – Doctors’ and pharmacists’ associations have welcomed the extension of certain leave and travel benefits to contract government doctors, pharmacists, and dentists still in compulsory service.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday announced that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) proposal to extend the benefit of travel fare for visiting home (tambang mengunjungi wilayah asal) to contract medical, pharmacy, and dental officers who are currently undergoing compulsory service.
Khairy also announced that special medical assignment leave (cuti tugas khas perubatan) and leave for tuberculosis, leprosy and cancer (cuti tibi, kusta dan barah) would be extended to contract medical, pharmacy, and dental officers who are currently undergoing housemanship and/ or compulsory service.
“We hope that the extension of the special medical assignment leave and leave for tuberculosis, leprosy and cancer will resolve the issue of inequality in these facilities between contract officers undergoing housemanship and/ or compulsory service and contract officers who have already completed compulsory service,” Khairy said in a statement.
“Besides that, contract medical, dental, and pharmacy officers undergoing compulsory service will also get to enjoy the benefit of travel fare for visiting home like contract officers who have already completed compulsory service.”
A previous Cabinet decision on July 14, 2021, had only extended these benefits to contract officers who received contract extensions after completion of their compulsory service.
The Malaysian Medical Association’s Schomos expressed satisfaction that the government has taken up its suggestions.
“MMA SCHOMOS would like to extend our appreciation to YB Khairy Jamaluddin for walking the talk,” MMA Schomos, which represents government doctors, said in a statement.
The Malaysian Pharmacists Society similarly welcomed the extension of benefits to contract officers still in compulsory service.
“We would also like to thank YB Menteri Kesihatan Khairy Jamaluddin and the Ministry of Health for their continuous efforts in helping to improve the welfare of the contract officers to ensure an optimal working environment.”
