KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — The government is unable to extend dozens of contract pharmacists because they have reached the five-year maximum duration of their contract, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).
MOH clarified that any offer of permanent appointment is conditional. Appointment and placement letters will only be issued once candidates meet all stipulated criteria, including medical clearance, statutory declaration, and the finalisation of available vacancies.
There are also cases where the officers involved are reserve candidates who need to wait their turn based on current vacancies.
“At present, there are no contract extension arrangements as these officers have reached the maximum contract duration of five years as stipulated,” said MOH in a statement yesterday.
“However, they may reapply when permanent recruitment opens at the end of 2027, under the new entry grade UF10 (previously UF43), in line with the introduction of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which came into effect on December 1, 2024.”
Free Malaysia Today reported last week that up to 45 contract pharmacists would lose their jobs last Saturday due to the end of their five-year contracts. Another 40 are set to exit the health service in July if they do not receive permanent posts.
Former Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran, who completed his first three-year term in the Senate last March 6, reportedly said these officers were among 352 contract pharmacists who were offered permanent posts and told to wait for their appointment letters, with no dates given.
The Malaysian Pharmacists Society yesterday urged the government to provide a transition for contract pharmacists pending their permanent appointments.
