KUALA LUMPUR: 102 contract medical officers (MO) from the May 2017 cohort have been offered permanent positions in Sarawak.
They are among the 1,500 contract MOs who were left in shock when they received letters from the Health Ministry earlier in March stating that their contracts had been renewed for only two years - from May 15, 2020, to May 14, 2022 - on the UD41 civil service grade, after which no extensions would be given.
While being offered a permanent position was a dream come true, many of them were taken aback by the short notice given.
It also left the remaining over 1,000 contract MOs from the cohort bewildered and confused, among others, over the criteria stated in the offer for a permanent appointment.
The New Straits Times learnt that the MOs had received their letters of appointment from the Health Ministry via e-mail on Saturday.
They were asked to report for duty as UD41 grade MOs at the Sarawak Health Department by April 15 should they accept the offer.
The letter stated the contract MOs would have until Wednesday (April 8) to accept or reject the offer via its e-Housemen portal at http://ehousemen.moh.gov.my.
The option to accept or reject the offer was final and no appeal would be considered, according to the letter.
Those who failed to submit their responses through the e-Housemen system within the stipulated time would be considered as having rejected the offer, the letter read.
It added if any of the MO decided to reject the offer, he or she would be re-appointed as a UD41 grade contract MO and existing placements would be maintained.
A doctor from Kelantan, who is currently based in Johor Baru, said, he was still contemplating if he should take up the offer.
“It (the offer) came out of the blue and my heart sank when I read the email. On one hand, I’m glad that I got the offer, but on the other hand why on such a short notice?
“Logistically speaking, it is a nightmare especially when you are working so far away from your home. There are so many things to think and consider, and I don't have the heart to tell my elderly parents at home yet.
“Most of my friends share the same sentiments. How is it possible to make such a big decision in such a short time?” he asked.
The doctor also raised concern over other MOs who did not get such an offer.
“What will their fate be like? Will there be another ad hoc permanent offer in the future?
“The Health Ministry should be more transparent when it comes to choosing who gets the permanent position and who gets to continue on contract because as far as I know, all of my colleagues have been adhering to the ministry’s rules,” he told the NST when contacted today.
Another contract MO from the same cohort shared a congratulatory message for the 102 doctors on Twitter.
“Your efforts and contributions have been recognised and you are rewarded with a permanent position with the government of Malaysia.
“We wish you all the best as you decide your fate within four days and begin working in Sarawak on April 15. Hopefully, you are able to arrange your accommodation and transportation with minimal difficulties,” he wrote.
He, however, noted that there were several pertinent issues to raise regarding this move, chiefly on the selection criteria.
“How were they selected? Why these MOs were only sent to Sarawak? Why is this move, and the transfer of these MOs so sudden? Is it because of a lack of MOs in Sarawak?
“If so, why were Sibu Contract MOs not given permanent positions back in January?
“UD41? So, these MOs are provided the same salary and emoluments as Housemen while taking on the responsibilities and job scope of Medical Officers?
“There are a lot of questionable points. We hope the ministry will provide an explanation to this move sooner rather than later,” he wrote.
The doctor urged those who were not offered a permanent position to continue discharging their duties as doctors to the best of their abilities during this unprecedented times.
Contract MOs are junior doctors of service grade UD41 who have completed their housemanship.