No strikes by contract doctors so far, says MMA

KUALA LUMPUR - No strikes by contract doctors have been reported so far, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

Its President Dr Muruga Raj in a statement, said checks by the MMA found no strike taking place at any of the public healthcare facilities.

"However, the issue of public fear needs to be addressed," he stressed.

Dr Muruga Raj said MMA has been receiving calls from the public asking if health care facilities are operating as usual today following the reports of a contract doctor's strike from April 3 to 5.

"We have been assured that public healthcare facilities are operating as usual," he said.

MMA also hopes that the Health Ministry will allay these fears and reassure the public that all public health care services are being provided without disruption.

"Messages on the issue causing panic and fear are also being spread on social media.

"This too needs to be countered with the right messaging from the authorities.

"We advise the public to verify the information they receive and only trust reliable and credible sources for any news or updates," he said.

The strike's organiser, Mogok Doktor Kontrak, urged the public to avoid public health facilities on the days of the strike as there would be a shortage of doctors.

Checks by Sinar Daily at Hospital Kuala Lumpur showed that everything was smooth and the service went as usual.

The strike is expected to go on for three days, during which doctors will be taking emergency and medical leaves to protest.