PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet on Friday agreed to establish a high-level committee to deal with the issue of contract doctors, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
In a statement today, she said the committee will include representatives from several ministries and agencies, including the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Contract doctors were rumoured to be conducting a strike from Monday to Wednesday, and the DoctorsMalaysia Instagram page has urged contract doctors nationwide to join the strike or resign en masse today.
Dr Zaliha said the Health Ministry had no further information about the strike. However, it was of the view that a strike is not the best solution to the medical profession's problems.
"The move needs to be carefully considered, because health services involve human lives and the well-being of people."
In the meantime, she said the government has been responding to problems and demands raised by health workers by creating permanent posts, sponsoring specialist training or advanced training, giving out time-based promotions as well as opportunities to be promoted to special grades, and creating the UD56 grade for medical professionals.
She said the ministry is aware of arising problems and requests, and gave her assurance that they are being examined in accordance with current issues and will be given appropriate solutions based on the country's economic capabilities.
"Therefore, a strike is not the best solution. As public servants, whether permanent or on contract, they are still subject to the integrity of public servants' and public services ethics." Bernama