PETALING JAYA: Three years after the contract doctors strike, Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) says there have been some “positive” outcomes.
On what has changed, the pressure group’s spokesman Dr Muhammad Yassin said the government and Health Minister are now more open to holding discussions with junior doctors on issues that concern them, as opposed to before the movement.
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“We can see lots of positives like more permanent slots, contract doctors being able to pursue specialisation, more perks and benefits that contract doctors can get nowadays, such as the further extension of contracts for those reaching contract expiry or those who have left the service,” he said when contacted on Friday (July 26).
He said HDK has been the driving force in bringing about work-related changes, especially for junior doctors.
“This can be seen from the first Hartal three years ago. Just a few days before Hartal, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was the prime minister at that time, announced special funding for contract doctors to pursue specialisation,” he said.
“During Khairy Jamaluddin’s time (as health minister), HDK was at the forefront against bullying in the Health Ministry and finally, Khairy agreed to form a committee to investigate bullying issues and came up with a few resolutions to deal with it.
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“I was involved in a few meetings with the committee members to share my ideas and they included these in their recommendations to the government,” he added.
He said HDK did not only receive responses from junior doctors but also senior doctors and even from the public.
“There is a great deal of trust given by them to HDK to push and highlight issues concerning them, as can be seen (on our) social media platforms,” he said.
Recounting the strike that took place on July 26, 2021 at several government hospitals nationwide, Dr Muhammad said the group spent many nights planning despite warnings from higher-ups and even the police.
“It was one of the key events that changed the Malaysian healthcare system. It's rare for juniors to speak up against the system, but this was one brave example. Never before had doctors in Malaysia organised such a strike.
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“On the day of the movement, we marched together, demanding better conditions.
"In the end, it showed the power of working together. It set a new standard for speaking up in Malaysian healthcare and inspired others to keep fighting for improvement.
"It was monumental that the issues of contract doctors were discussed for so many days in Parliament,” he said, adding that the strike also received significant media coverage.
“Even now it brings tears to my eyes thinking about what we went through, all for the future of Malaysia’s healthcare."
On HDK’s hope for the future, Dr Muhammad said the movement wants to continue its advocacy for junior doctors' rights and well-being.
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It is also looking forward to policy reforms which will entail fair treatment; competitive salaries and transparent hiring; improved working conditions with adequate hours, support and resources; as well as career growth and stability for junior doctors.
“This is to ensure a better future for junior doctors and the healthcare system in Malaysia,” he said.
Junior doctors and healthcare workers staged a walkout at several hospitals nationwide on July 26, 2021 to show their frustration over the lack of permanent placements for contract doctors and the uncertainty of their future. Clad mostly in black, some held placards.
They returned to work after a brief period.
