Gov't should resolve on contract doctors' issues - Khairy

SHAH ALAM - Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin hopes that the government will do its best to help contract doctors in this country.

He said although it is impossible to meet all the demands, including wanting to be absorbed into permanent positions, there are other solutions that can be done.

The government needs to show their effort in attending to the group's needs and rights.

"I know the Health Minister and the ministry's abilities because I had been in that position before, and I am aware that we can't 100 per cent fulfil the contract doctors' demands, but we have to show that there is an effort in solving their issues.

"We can help to relieve some of their woes, such as by increasing on call allowances, giving extra off days for holidays, adding permanent appointments for a year, and so on.

"Just do something that will make them feel like their voices are being heard," he said in the ninth episode of 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast with former Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan.

Sinar Harian has previously reported that contract doctors were planning a three-day strike starting today (Monday), following their frustration and stress towards the country's health care system.

The 'Mogok Doktor Malaysia' Instagram account had posted yesterday that contract doctors plan to continue the strike by taking sick leave and emergency leave but will not do a physical strike.

Meanwhile, Khairy also expressed support for contract doctors who have the right to fight for their rights.

"My advice to contract doctors who are on strike, fight for your rights," he said.

However, he also hoped that the group would not leave the Health Ministry.