Government Doctors Continue To Draw Flak For Opposing Transfers To Sabah And Sarawak
The refusal to serve in Borneo came at a time when doctors had demanded better job security and patient workload.
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Netizens have launched a stinging attack on government doctors who refused to comply with transfer norms.
Many government doctors have been asked by the Health Ministry (KKM) to serve in Sabah and Sarawak and this has caused dissatisfaction among them.
The Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement blamed the government for leaving them with no choice but to quit their job.
We are running out of doctors, sooner than we think. Even us at Hartal didn't expect this kind of numbers.
— HartalDoktorKontrak (@HKontrak) June 8, 2022
Yg baru interview ni kalau dpt tetap tapi kena pindah sabah sarawak, some will definitely not take the offer, finish their contract and leave.
Doctors Slammed For Being Choosy
Many netizens came forward to give their opinions and question why doctors and medical practitioners in the country seem to choose which state to work in.
Some feel that Sabah and Sarawak are being alienated because there are doctors who are willing to lose their jobs simply because they refuse to be sent there.
Others pointed out that all civil servants are subjected to transfers and not just doctors only.
That’s very disappointing to hear. Apa yg hina sangat pasal east Malaysia until people are willing to lose their jobs over it?
— therealsunarpu (@therealsunarpu) June 8, 2022
Idk la what would other people think about this but this actually sounds privileged.
— Tasha🇲🇾🇵🇸 (@tashamohd05) June 9, 2022
Doctors aren’t the only gov posts yang kena hantar ke borneo. Even kerani kewangan skim W pun ada juga kena hantar ke Borneo dari semenanjung. https://t.co/3MAOachJu0
However, some feel it’s understandable if doctors choose not to serve in Sabah and Sarawak as everyone has their struggles.
They acknowledged that Semenanjung people are reluctant to move there mainly because it’s far from their family.
Some have to be separated from their spouses and kids if they move.
Netizens said the real issue is the failure to produce enough doctors from Sabahans and Sarawakians.
No need to villify anyone without knowing their personal circumstances. We don't know what personal struggles ppl are going through.
— B (@bessythemessy) June 8, 2022
Striking Doctors Say They Are Not Discriminating Sabah And Sarawak
In August last year, Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak had questioned the KKM’s action which only opened placements in the Sabah and Sarawak.
They pointed said it does not make sense as the issue of shortage of doctors covers the whole country.
It claimed that there were some initial groups of medical officers who got offers to work in the two states involved.
They were promised various benefits before they were but were not fulfilled.
Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak said the issue being played out as if the contract doctor rejecting this offer is necessary to Sabah and Sarawak.
They insist it’s not a matter of placement to where the doctors are sent but every state is experiencing a shortage of doctors.
The movement was responding to a statement by KKM that only 200 of the 300 medical officers appointed by the ministry were willing to be based in Sabah and Sarawak.
Lack Of Job Security For Contract Doctors
The Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement issued a three-week ultimatum to the government last year.
READ MORE: Why Are Malaysian Doctors Planning To Go On Strike?
They demanded permanent positions for all contract doctors through transparent selection criteria.
@fahizariff Kalau sharpie boleh permanent, kenapa mereka tidak? #hartaldoktorkontrak #sinarharian #tiktoknews @sinarharianonline ♬ original sound – NerdAF
The movement which comprises junior doctors nationwide had threatened to protest with a strike and go on leave unless their demands are met.
The movement even submitted a memorandum to the government to inform of their demands.
READ MORE: Doctors At MAEPS Interrogated By Police Till 4AM For ‘Hartal’
In February, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that 4,186 additional permanent posts will be created in the ministry by June.
The move has been well-received by contract doctors nationwide.
Doktor Kontrak: Kabinet bersetuju 4,186 jawatan tetap tambahan diwujudkan di KKM tahun ini bertujuan melantik 3,586 pegawai perubatan, 300 pegawai pergigian dan 300 pegawai farmasi.
— KAMARUDDIN MAPE (@kamayNewsMPB) February 10, 2022
Lantikan perjawatan tetap tambahan ini dibuat bermula pada Jun 2022 – Khairy@BuletinTV3
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