Call off public health care strike, MMA tells contract doctors

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian Medical Association reminds contract doctors to maintain professionalism and refrain from strikes as this creates public unrest.

This was following social media postings by the #Mogokdoktorkontrak group inciting Malaysians to boycott going to public health care facilities from April 3 until April 5.

The strike was believed to have been planned by a group of contract doctors.

MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said the association has engaged with the government on various issues and improvements needed for the system.

"MMA does not condone a strike as a means to pressure the government into resolving the issues of contract doctors.

"The MMA has been engaging with the government on these matters and will continue to engage with them on the various issues to bring about the needed improvements to the system," he said in a press statement.

He further reminded the group to remember the oath they took when they were sworn in as doctors, which was "first do no harm".

"We urge this group to call off its plans to go on strike and refrain from any move that may cause worry and anxiety among the public.

"A strike will cause major inconveniences for the sick, injured, and elderly who may be relying on public health care," he said.

In addition, the association hoped that the group would end the strike, as those who might be affected could be their friends and families who depend on public health care.

Raj also spoke out against the group, pleading for it to stop encouraging mass resignations, which could have serious ramifications.

"Not only can it cripple individual departments, but by extension, it can also cause a major crisis in the entire healthcare system. "Health care delivery can be compromised and may even result in the loss of lives," he said.

Raj said the resignation should come with proper notice if the doctors set their mind to do so.