PETALING JAYA: Government doctors finally had the opportunity to meet and air their grievances to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa during a close door townhall meeting.
The Health Minister’s office said she appreciated and respected the views, feedback and proposals given during the two-hour meeting which was attended by nearly 400 doctors yesterday.
“She (the minister) will try to resolve the issues raised through policy or technical solutions,” her office said after the meeting.
A representative from Hartal Doktor Kontrak described the meeting as a good start.
“It was generally a good meeting between the Health Minister and doctors, coordinated by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
“A lot of issues were raised and the minister gave her assurance she would investigate (the issues raised) and try to resolve them,” said a spokesman for the movement after the meeting yesterday evening.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii and Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee.
During the meeting, the minister told doctors present to look out for the announcement which will be made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Budget 2023 that will be retabled tomorrow.
Several sources indicated Dr Zaliha had pushed for an increase in budget of more than 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
They also pointed out that Dr Zaliha had invited more people to express their grouses on issues which needed to be highlighted.
“She did acknowledge there were low hanging fruits for which solutions can be provided and there are those which needed time,” added one source.
The Star understands the issues raised included the low on-call claims rate of RM9 per hour, review of pay, bullying cases, exploitation, contract system, grades as well as last minute transfers.
A doctor who attended the session said the criteria for absorbing doctors into permanent positions was also discussed.
The townhall meeting came after repeated calls from healthcare groups for a meeting with Dr Zaliha since her appointment in December.
Dr Zaliha tweeted yesterday that those attending the townhall need not fear any repercussions.
“To all those coming tomorrow to the townhall session, kindly be assured that everyone is free to share views without fear of repercussion. Looking forward to hearing from you all,” she said.
