Group Of Doctors Going On Strike Next Week?
The group claimed that more than 8,000 contract doctors would be striking to protest “unfair systems” and “low wages”.
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After threatening a nationwide strike, the Mogok Doktor Malaysia group has warned people not to go to health clinics and public hospitals from 3 to 5 April.
The group also noted that waiting hours are expected to be longer at these facilities, amid a nationwide strike.
On its Instagram page, the group claimed that more than 8,000 contract doctors would be striking to protest “unfair systems” and “low wages”.
The post read:
Dear Malaysians, do not visit any general hospitals or klinik kesihatan from April 3 to 5, 2023, as more than 8,000 contract doctors will go on strike by taking medical or emergency leave as a protest against the unfair system and low wages. Your waiting time is expected to be much longer than usual. Thank you. #MogokDoktorKontrak
Mogok Doktor Malaysia via Instagram
In reply to these threats, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has come out asking doctors to maintain professional conduct and remember the oath they took to become doctors.
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 the elderly who may be relying on public health care. We wish to remind the doctors group of the oath they took to ‘first do no harm’ when they were sworn in as doctors.
MMA president, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai
He added that the doctors should understand that even their friends and family who rely on public healthcare can also be affected if they were to proceed with the strike and hoped these doctors make the wise decision of not proceeding with the strike.
We also urge the group to immediately stop motivating mass resignations as it can have serious consequences. Not only can it cripple individual departments, but by extension, it can also cause a major crisis in the entire healthcare system.
MMA president, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai
Muruga added that health care delivery could also be compromised and may even result in loss of lives if this strike were to take place.
The MMA takes a serious view of this and hopes the group will not resort to such actions. If anyone plans to resign, it should be done responsibly with proper notice given.
MMA president, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai
Murugan also added that 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.
MMA president, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai
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