IPOH: A total of 2,083 more medical contract workers will be absorbed into permanent positions by the end of this year.
Health Minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that part of the placement of medical contract workers was completed at the end of July.
Dr Zaliha said the number was part of the 12,800 permanent posts announced by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 2023 Budget.
"We have heard that 12,800 permanent positions have been given for three consecutive years.
"God willing, with the cooperation of the Public Service Commission, we will be able to offer permanent appointments for another 2,083 additional medical contract workers to permanent staff," she said.
Dr Zaliha said this in a press conference after attending the Health Ministry Training Institute (ILKKM) Convocation Ceremony for the Peninsula Zone at ILKKM Sultan Azlan Shah here, today.
Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said that until Sept 23 this year, there were a total of 37,058 medical contract workers in the country with 31,459 vacancies.
"We have actually filled up the vacancies with contract workers.
"If we calculate that percentage, it means that 27 per cent of the vacancies have already been filled, that is the situation at this point," she said.
Meanwhile, Anwar, on April 4, announced that a total of 12,800 of the 20,330 contractually appointed doctors would be absorbed into permanent positions within three years with an additional allocation of RM1.7 billion.
The appointment of the permanent doctors will take into account medical officers who have completed graduate training and are fully registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and meet the requirements for permanent appointment.