The upcoming Dec 18 relocation involves 1,226 medical officers, 216 dental officers, and 470 pharmacy officers, following the placement exercise of over 4,000 medical officers in July.
Dr Zaliha claims the Madani govt solved the contract doctor issue till mid-term, as 12,800 doctors will be absorbed into permanent service over 3 years, including >4k this year. Tens of thousands of doctors remain on contract, including new cohorts yearly.
JKNT officials gave medical officers a choice of returning to the existing Dungun Hospital or staying in temporary placements elsewhere in Terengganu. JKNT reportedly denied requesting placements at the unopened new Dungun Hospital, blaming KKM Putrajaya.
Ex-Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says potential disruptions from doctor relocations can be minimised by allowing house officers, before entering public service, to choose their top three preferred placement destinations for their medical officer role.
A medical officer trying to pursue specialisation describes the mass transfers of over 4,000 doctors as "beyond ridiculous", accusing KKM of kicking doctors here and there "like a football". "Everything shows a severe lack of leadership in the Ministry."
Health DG Dr Radzi says the new placement "experience" for permanent medical, dental, and pharmacy officers will make them "more mature and empathetic, and tougher" in surviving their career as public servants, as he expressed MOH's appreciation for them.
Due to mass doctor relocations, HDK estimates 50%-100% spike in ED waiting times for admission, particularly in Klang Valley, Melaka, and Negeri. Even if vacancies are filled by Dec, HDK expects the impact to last till June, as floating MOs need training.
In permanent MOs’ placements, Sabah & Sarawak collectively gain net 1,070 MOs, but Klang Valley loses net 360 MOs. Negeri’s HTJ, Melaka Hospital, and Selangor's Sg Buloh, Serdang, and Selayang hospitals get zero MOs, while losing >80 to ~120 doctors each.
A medical officer – who had to choose Klinik Kesihatan Kapit amid limited Klang Valley spots – is in a dilemma about accepting her permanent appointment. She previously served Sarawak. "I've gone through so much with KKM that I’m feeling very frustrated."
Hartal Doktor Kontrak calls for a temporary suspension of permanent MO transfers for 3-6 months, while their junior replacements (floating MOs) get trained. Melaka state health exco Ngwe Hee Sem is set to meet Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa on July 20.