KUALA LUMPUR: The recently announced permanent positions for medical officers in the Health Ministry are a "big step" in the right direction.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa had delivered her promise to offer more permanent posts for them.
"The 4,263 permanent positions offered to medical officers is indeed welcome news.
"It is still not over yet but this (today's announcement), is a big step in the right direction.
"MMA wishes to thank Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa for delivering her promise to open up more permanent posts for the many medical officers on contract in the system. It is beyond our expectations," he said in a statement today.
Dr Muruga said the MMA will continue to engage and work with the ministry in addressing the contract doctor issue and secure more permanent posts.
Earlier today, Dr Zaliha announced that the ministry was offering 4,914 permanent posts this year comprising 4,263 medical officers, 335 dental officers and 316 pharmaceutical officers.
Submissions for the posts are open starting today until Jan 21.