It has been 4 weeks since my last post on the Black Monday campaign by SCHOMOS and the hartal that is being organised by a separate group of junior doctors. I had received a lot of feedbacks for my previous post personally and via my blog. In the background, SCHOMOS/MMA has been working with MOH and finally had a direct meeting with PM on 23/07/2021. On the very same day, the PM’s office issued the following circular:
As I mentioned in my previous post, absorbing all graduates into a permanent position is NOT a long term solution. I had explained the reasons for this very clearly. It is almost impossible for the government to do this looking at the number of graduates being produced. My recommendation is for all doctors who are into post graduate training should have their contract renewed till they complete their training and get gazetted. The postgraduate training should be standardised. I also said that the permanent government positions is not sustainable anymore and all positions should be changed to contract from now onwards but they need equal opportunities etc, similar to other developed countries.
The circular above basically agrees to what I have been saying all this while. The government has guaranteed that they will provide a minimum of 6 years contract (4+2), increase from 5 years (3+2) currently. During the last 2 years extension, if you are enrolled into a post graduate training program, the contract will be extended to a maximum of 4 years. I presume this 4 years comes about due to the 4 years Master’s program. Those who are already in parallel pathway, they should be in their specialist training by the time the 6 years is done, especially for MRCP, MRCPCH and MRCOG. This 4 years extension hopefully will support their subspeciality training programme. So, overall, if you are in specialist training program, you will be guaranteed a job and training for at least 10 years. The government has also agreed to provide Cuti Belajar Bergaji Penuh and HLP if you are enrolled into the Master’s program. The only problem I foresee are for those who are dependent on local Master’s program which predominantly will be the surgical fields.
With large number of graduates applying for local Master’s program, the waiting period is going to get longer. I did mention this many years ago. The number of slots for Masters program is only about 1000 per year for all speciality included. My question is whether these doctors would even be able to get into the Master’s program within 4 years after housemanship. If they don’t , would their contract be not extended? What if they do not complete the training within 4 years, like they get extended etc? What if they do complete their training but wants to do subspeciality training? Would the contract be extended further? There are many unanswered questions but at least this circular clarifies some of the urgent matters and hopefully, further improvement could be made in the future.
However I noticed that the letter did mention about amending the Medical Act which I find it puzzling. The medical act has nothing to do with employment EXCEPT in regards to the compulsory service. Are we looking at an official reduction in the compulsory service in the future? Currently MMC (since Oct 2020) do allow junior doctors to leave the service 18 months after completing housemanship, pending Minister’s approval individually. Would this be lowered further, permanently? Or are we looking at a common licensing exam applicable for all graduates? It will be interesting to watch but again, it is all a political ball game!
Unfortunately, the above circular and reassurance did not seem to satisfy the group of doctors who were organising the Hartal. Yesterday, they issued the following circular, insisting that the hartal will go ahead today:
I also understood that many warnings have been issued to the junior doctors by the hospital Pengarahs and DG himself has issued a reminder on his FB post as below:
Interestingly, the DG has said that the Pension Act will be amended. This again goes back to my last post where I said, permanent post with pension is not sustainable anymore and all government positions should be changed to contract basis with continuous extension as long as the post is needed and for post graduate training. The hospital should be given the right to choose their own doctors based on need. I feel this is how this scenario is heading into the future. In fact, if the pension act is going to be amended, it may affect all other civil service jobs as well.
The world is changing. Jobs are changing as well. Unemployment of doctors is also a norm in many countries. Consultant without full time job is also common in developed countries but at least they get to complete their training. We need to change. We can’t keep on harping on the same benefits and perks as the baby boomers generation where the world population was a third of what it is now!
I will stick to what I have said in my previous blog post. The era of guaranteed job and permanent pensionable job in civil service is over. Every job is the same and will be treated as the same based on need. Doctors are not an exemption. Everything should be based on merit. I hope the selection of doctors into postgraduate training will be done on merit and be transparent. I also hope that a single post graduate training system will be implemented rather than 2 separate system. I might be dreaming but it is the only way forward. A total revamp of the healthcare system will be needed. A National Health financing scheme is needed to sustain at least the GP practise. A Restructured healthcare system is needed to move away from tertiary health care to primary based healthcare!
The question is , are the politicians ready to make this unpopular decisions? Looking at the current scenario, I don’t see it coming anytime soon!
At the time of me writing this piece, this is happening :
Pagalavan's Avatar 
I believe these docs are not happy because they see yet so many civil servants from other fields – who make up nearly 1.2 million of the workforce – still getting permanent posts majority of them. And the question is why are the medical people (doctors, dentists, pharmacists) are “chosen” to have the contract posts instead?
No they are not. The other civil service recruitment also depends on availability of post and not new post (except MInisters
!). No new post has been created since 2014 when it was frozen. Obviously there will be people retiring/passing on and these posts will be empty for new recruits to fill. As for doctors, the numbers are just too big. There are some who are still being offered permanent positions.
Hi Dr,
A very good read.
Btw, I hope you still remember me, the patient u helped when u were a visiting rheumatologist at HSA in 2010 and again in Columbia Asia in 2013 or so. Patient with Primary CNS Vasculitis.
Hope you are doing great in Australia. Just wanted to thank you for the diagnose and writing the proper prescription for my diagnosis.
God Bless you always and stay safe Dr.
Suthina Tharmapalan Johor BAhru Malaysia
*Thanks & regards,*
*Sootheina P*
On Mon, Jul 26, 2021 at 12:01 PM Pagalavan’s Avatar wrote:
> Pagalavan Letchumanan posted: ” It has been 4 weeks since my last post on > the Black Monday campaign by SCHOMOS and the hartal that is being organised > by a separate group of junior doctors. I had received a lot of feedbacks > for my previous post personally and via my blog. In the backgro” >
Thanks for the comment.
I disagree on the abolishment of the dual pathway specialty program. Masters and external papers both have their pros and cons. It gives trainees the flexibility to choose and apply to which programs that will suit them the most. The options need to be kept opened. The mistake the previous DG made by not renewing the MoU for FRANCZA training in the 3 major regional hospitsls was a big loss to the anaesth specialty. Then covid came along and suddenly our anaesths colleagues are forced to break their backs.
It is not about abolishing both pathways. It is about having a single standardised training system like the developed countries. Prof Adeeba have been working on this for many years now. As for FANZCA, it has nothing to do with the DG. It was the ANZCA college who withdrew the program from all asian countries . I have written about this in 2012:https://pagalavan.com/2012/05/07/for-future-doctors-here-goes-another-opportunity/
What is the verdict on today’s hartal.? Have the full complement of 23,000 contract doctors walked out? or is there more to come?
There is no verdict. Few did walk out but nothing major.
One issue with having hospitals to choose doctors based on need would be that this would jhugely be based on the particular department’s consultants/specialists recommendation. So, those who suck up to their heads would probably would be preferred even if they don’t have any substance or quality. I am sure many who are aware of the previous issue of sexual harassment allegations of a head of an department in a hospital in Klang Valley, which led to his dismissal. Imagine in the future, junior medical officers are at the mercy of these unscrupulous head of department/consultants just to get a post!
It does not work that way. The post is created based on the hospitals need. Selection is done by an independent committee. It is not done by any individual. This is how it is done in many developed countries. In fact, even the non selected can demand an explanation why they are not selected. Everything is transparent. However I understand that you are coming from the Malaysian point of view where transparency does not exist
I could relate. I have heard far too many rumours (rumour being rumour, hence subjected to personal interpretation), HOs MOs being abused/had to hold their heads low so that they could “pass/do well their assessments —–> getting permanent posts”. The quality of our junior doctors plays a factor as well, so junior doctors being victimised by “malignant” superiors isn’t the entire story…
In an ideal world, an independent body would set standard and criteria for doctors interested to specialise to play the “portfolio game” and govern selection on a yearly basis. However, that itself needs additional resources and years worth of planning (Not to mention too much stakes involved, a fair system can be too much to ask for). Certainly, we haven’t seen any signs of marching towards that direction for now.
Then again, getting into training isn’t easy elsewhere either.
The word fair and transparent does not exist in Malaysian dictionary. Either we change or we die a slow death.
The proposal as reported in the media , is to have a permanent post with EPF and absorb all 23,000 contracts. This by amending the Pension Act within two years. On the surface, having permanent posts with EPF is feasible. However, creating 23,000 such posts within 2 years is another matter. Sustainability is still a question.
What about the new intakes into houseman?
He never said everyone will be absorbed into this so called EPF permanent scheme. This scheme will just allow the government to create more post than what they can create now. The number of post will still not meet the total number of graduates. So, likely these posts will be given to those who are specialising only. The question still remains on where this posts are going to be based!
Does the 23000 contract officers include dentists and pharmacists? Or just solely medical doctors? The amended pension act, will it affect the officers under KPT as well? Meaning those who are working in local uni…
Nope, only medical doctors. If pension act is amended, it should affect everyone in civil service.
Hi Doc,
Sorry for this comment, not trying to disparage anyone but it’s just my observation and perception, so wanted to state it here.
It had been a knows fact that there is a huge maldistribution of doctors in Malaysia. MOH has even stated that the doctor to patient ratio in Peninsular is 1:454, while in Sabah and Sarawak it is 1:856 and 1:662 respectively, which is still not in line with 1:500 that is recommended by WHO. However, when the government offered some permanent positions to these contract doctors in Sarawak, not everyone took it as some don’t want to uproot themselves that far. Which begs the question, how bad do these contract doctors want the permanent posts? You can’t cherry pick what you want when the situation is so dire and like you have rightfully pointed out doctor, the government doesn’t owe them anything.
Sometimes I feel that these doctors want these permanent position but are unwilling to sacrifice. Please dont kecam me here, I am not saying all doctors, only those that seem to be wanting to enjoy a comfortable life while also wanting the government to tick off their checklist. What happened to wanting to do medicine for passion/helping the people? Malaysians in rural areas/Sabah/Sarawak deserve quality healthcare too. While these aforementioned contract doctors want to remain in big cities and live the life. Medicine is a profession that does require selflessness I’m afraid.
Also, I sometimes get the feeling that those doctors who want a permanent position badly are due to them wanting to specialize by qualifying for HLP. I get it, thats the requirement to specialize and also they need a posting to complete gazettement post completion of Masters. However many of these doctors are just waiting to jump into private sector to make money once the opportunity is there. So all this wanting to become permanent because of wanting to help people rings hollow as the end goal, in my perspective, for most of these doctors is to move into private and make money.
One way the government can control this is to tie the HLP award and permanent placement of contract doctors to requirements of longer bond with the government and also to be sent to wherever in Malaysia that needs their expertise. Not just big cities. This way the government is solving the problem and the people gain too.
This is just how I see it, not trying to blame or pinpoint anything. I could be wrong, not casting anything in stone here but a few people I have spoken to also have this view. I support career advancement for our contract doctors who are fighting for us in those Covid wards, my heart goes out to them. I am just stating these as I feel that the public who doesn’t really care/support the Hartal movement or the predicament faced by our contract doctors is because they have a perception that in the end, most of those who end up specializing will leave government service anyway.
Minor typo problem, it should read as ‘It has been a known fact’, early on in my comment. Apologies.
Everyone wanna stay in Klang Valley (which is impossible) and those who got transferred to sabah/sarawak, they will apply for transfer back to semenanjung asap. It’s the ugly truth.
You are absolutely right. This is what I have been writing for a long time. If medicine did not have a guaranteed job before or do not pay you well, do you think people will be rushing to do medicine?
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2021/07/01/does-the-govt-owe-contract-doctors-a-living/
The last sentence is the most important. No one owes anyone a living.
Governments all over the world never force anyone to study medicine. How is it possible that suddenly government owes them a permanent post , specialist training?
Dr Paga, excellent blog post! you were talking about this for ages.
many doctors here now want to migrate but in this article
https://www.physiciansweekly.com/theyre-mds-but-they-cant-find-residency-positions and this https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/medical-school-enrollments-grow-residency-slots-haven-t-kept-pace even in other countries they are having a shortage of positions so its going to be extremely tough for foreign graduates to get a post. how will they survive, have to hope for the very best.
Yes, I have spoken about this situation in other countries as well. Watch for my video that I will upload soon
Keep going sir. Even though nasi dah jadi bubur, perhaps some of the bubur can still be forced down the throats of the people in charge of all these, whether they like it or not. To me, all I see now is the glut might just go up to the specialist level a few years down the road, especially knowing the brains and work attitude of those in charge in Putrajaya. I heard the placements for internal med, gen. surgery and some pathology disciplines are almost full in Semenanjung.
You mean Master’s placement ?
Posts for specialists after gazettement. Majority of the guys who graduated with me are being sent to Sabah and Sarawak despite logistics and family commitments. The general disciplines like internal med and gen. surgery are the ones who are especially affected. Looking at the number of trainees in our unis and the current posts available for specialists that was briefed post exam, I definitely think there will be a glut at specialist level too. Now that there’s an official letter stating postgraduate training under unis are postponed for 3 months, I don’t know what the picture will look like. My advice to all the current MOs is to just stay put where you are and wait until this covid fog is over.
Oh, yes I heard about that. We still need a lot of specialist. However before the government can even create a specialist post, they need to fill up the existing. So you will be sent to where the post is available. I wrote this in MMA magazine in 2006! The deferrement of 3 months is due to covid.
Hi,
I am a Malaysian student currently doing my final year of medical school in the UK. I would like to hear from you about your opinion on returning to work as a houseman VS continuing my training in the UK as a foundation year doctor, considering the fact that I will ultimately want to return to Malaysia and also be a specialist.
Would really appreciate your opinion in this matter.
Many thanks in advance.
if you read this blog, i am sure you know the answer. The answer would definitely be to do everything in UK before returning.
There are a number of scholarship holders who are bound to break their contracts in this situation. What is the penalty? Full payment of tuition fees + fine? Pay in instalments? Or let off scot-free?
There are no scholarship since 2016. it was changed to convertible loan. Yes, you need to pay back the full amount if you do not return to Malaysia.
KF, with the current situation (both political and healthcare system) in Malaysia it’s a no brainer to stay back in the UK for your F1/F2.
Good day Dr Pagalavan. I am a recent medical graduate who’s planning to go for the MRCP pathway with special interest in rheumatology and geriatric meidicine. I have a few options in mind currently that are really puzzling me and I was wondering if you could provide me with some advices.
1. To proceed with housemanship in Malaysia with the uncertainties of contract doctors and permanent posts in the future
2. To defer HO for the time being and Sit for PLAB exam to be FY1 in 2023
3. To start with HO in Malaysia for a year and apply to the UK for FY2 in 2023, which means I will have to stop my housemanship halfway to Sit for the exams
4. To complete 2 year of HO in Malaysia and apply to the UK for specialty training
I am fully aware that no medical council will guarantee us a permanent post but I am caught in a dilemma deciding between the few options that I have as i am unsure whether it will be worth it to go through the deferment. Also, looking at the situations currently back home, a part of me really wish to go into the work force as soon as possible however the uncertainties of the current system in Malaysia is holding me back. I would really appreciate it if you could provide me your two cents. Thank you!
Re 4, I don’t think you can apply for specialty training after 2 years of HO in Malaysia. The pathway is in the gmc website. If I’m not wrong, basically its FY1/2, IMT1/2/3, then only specialty training ST4/5/6 or 7, depending on specialty. Then you get your CCT (Certificate of completion of training) which makes you eligible to be registered as a specialist/consultant. So you will need to apply for a job as IMT first, assuming PLAB is done.
Yes, you are right.
1) Yes, if you do not have any other option.
2) Do not defer as you may miss the boat all together. Passing PLAB do not guarantee you a job. Furthermore, housemanship in Malaysia can allow you to skip FY1
3) It is better to complete HO in Malaysia and get full registration before going
4) You will never get into speciality training in UK directly. You need to start from scratch(minus FY1) as non training doctor.
Thanks for the reply, Dr Paga and Jaz! Really appreciate it. Hence, it is wiser to complete HOship here first then take PLAB in order to continue as non training doctor there?
Yes
Is the local 4 yrs Medical Masters’s degree at the same level of difficulty as the UK based external professional exams? In terms of passing rate anyway. I have noticed some doctors have dual qualifications.
Are you talking about MRCP? MRCP is not a specialist exam.
Yes
1..It is already a month since the contract doctor’s announcement. A change has appeared in the Minister of Health.
2. Do we have to accept the brutal truth that there will be insufficient permanent jobs and that a substantial number of doctors who have finished their contracts be forced to work in non-clinical jobs? The present situation indicates that this is where Malaysia is heading into. One does not need a crystal ball to forecast this scenario.
3. Lastly, what would the advice be for those who have the resources to venture abroad from the day of graduation?
Facing hard facts and being rational about them, is better than having false hopes.
You can see my video that I uploaded in my blog. Venturing abroad is not as easy as you think.
There is an interesting article in yesterday’s MalaysiaKini and Malay Mail, extracted from an interview with Dato Seri Dr Subramaniam ,the ex Health Minister.
He said:
“Contract posts could be created on-demand, without the need to involve the Public Service Department (PSD) in their employment.”
“So, these contract posts were created to make sure this huge number of doctors who were coming into the system would be able to undergo mandatory training.”
I assume that after a period of years, there was no coordination between the ministries and JPA
he is talking rubbish. He is well aware that the government will never be able to create enough post to absorb all graduates after completing the contract. I agree that the contract system was introduced to cut the waiting period to start housemanship and also to make sure everyone can do their mandatory training.
Pardon my ignorance. We have many district hospitals. Some are providing specialist services already. Why not upgrade more of them to take in more HOs, MOs and specialists. In the meantime keep on building more hospitals in the suburbs. There will never be enough of them.
See who will be the brave politician to introduce National Healthcare Financing.
Everything needs money! The number of HOs that can be taken depends on the number of specialist. So, it is far more complicated. I have spoken about NHS for many years.
Hi dr pagalavan this is a wonderful read indeed! Unfortunately i’m one of the contract mos and tbh judging by how the goverment is tackling this problem saddens us. so I’ve decided to quit kkm for good. But the thing is I’m concerned about the compulsory service post hoship. Is it considered an offence if I didn’t complete the 2 years compulsory service and will I be able to still get the certificate of good standing when doing application for my usmle later in the states?
You need to apply to MMC to get clearance. They do offer exemption if you have completed 18 months after housemanship. If you do not do that, you will not be able to apply for APC to practise elsewhere. Certificate of good standing is usually about disciplinary action from professional misconduct. As long as you are fully registered, it should not be a problem.
Is it true that there are graduates who have left the 2 years houseman midway and what are the reasons if any?
This has been happening for many many years. Please read my blog, I have written about this many times. Many leave as it is not what they thought medicine is!
Surprisingly there is almost no more waiting period for fresh medical graduates. Those graduated last month (August) have already selected their training hospital in the “sistem ehousemen” beginning yesterday 9/9/2021 and will be reporting for work by end of this month.
yes, because many contract doctors have resigned and also these appointments comes with 2 month rule of need to work at Covid centres for each posting. They need man power to manage covid centres and PPV.
Hi Dr Paga,
I was your old fellow colleague working in sister Columbia Hospital.
I am surprised to see you settling down in Australia.
If you don’t mind sharing, what makes you turn to Australia at relatively late in service?
How do you manage to get FRACP? if my memory serves me right, you did not join or attempt FRACP exams, you were only having MRCP(UK), subsequently elected fellowship.
Thanks for your input.
Dr TC
I think the new extension contract system is altogether 7 years (5+2) and not (4+2). At the moment, none of the houseman is given a MO contract eventhough many have completed their houseman within 2 years. After completing their HO posting, they will be transferred out as floating MOs mostly to Covid centres or East Malaysia. They will only give the MO contract to sign after exactly 3 years for another 2 years’ period. Now with the promised extension of another 2 years it will be 7 years. BTW I don’t see the government can save much money even on contract basis unless they reduce the quota intake of medical student into local medical universities.There is not much difference in salary scale between a contact doctor and permanent doctor as both are on EPF scheme. Even new permanent post are all on EPF scheme, the only difference is some extra benefits in terms of leaves.
No, it is 4+2 as it clearly says that it is 2 years after compulsory service, which is 4 years. You will only receive MO contract once you finish the first 3 year contract. Yes, once you finish HO in 2 years, you still have 1 year of contract left where you will be a floating MO till your contract is renewed for another 2 years. It will not be 7 years as what they meant is that the contract will now be given for a total of 6 years with further extension of maximum of 4 years if you are in post graduate program. Permanent post will always start with EPF. The choice of pension is given once you get confirmed in service which is after 1 year of service.
https://www.facebook.com/146120775404532/posts/5047440685272492/
KJ has voiced out his concerns about contract doctors issue today. A team has been set up to come up with a long term solution. Is it really possible for gov to create more permanent posts and absorb all these contract drs, dentists and pharmacists? Also, there are some saying offering 10 years contract as a long term solution, to ensure that the contract mo can finish their postgraduate studies to become specialists.
The government has very strong intentions to give them permanent positions, because elections are coming. However, where will the money come from ?
The 10 year contract has already been agreed by Muhyiddin 2 months ago. It is unlikely that 5000 permanent post will be created yearly. However, I would prefer if they can create permanent post for specialist. This will allow those who finish specialisation to be absorbed into permanent post as an incentive to stay in government service
What is dr pagalavan’s opinion on gov solution to this matter in this 100 days? KJ mentioned that pension act will be reviewed accordingly, compulsory service and graduate training will be revised, and request for more permanent posts. But offering permanent posts is not the ultimate solution, what about the future grads? They will follow after the footsteps to do hartal again in demand of permanent jobs.
All these has already been announced 2 months ago. the way forward is to make all contract but get similar benefit except pension. As DG had said, pension act has to be amended. In that way, the contract can be perpetual till you leave but no pension. THis is how it is done in all developed countries. Pension scheme is not sustainable. I have written about this in my articles.
The offer of local Master’s scholarship is to be given to those qualified contract doctors.
May I ask whether the following criteria are applied:
1) 3 yrs Lapuran Nilaian Prestasi at 85 % or higher
2) MBBS transcript
3) HOD report
4) SPM to show the Bahasa Malaysia competency as required by Public Universities or other reasons.
Yea, these are mandatory requirement when you apply for Masters.
There are some with the opinion that the 28,000 medical graduates who are already recruited and in the system will stand to benefit from the recent announcement such as postgraduate training, permanent posts etc. I am rather sceptical of this view. Are they the only batches to benefit if it is true? What about the newcomers?
It should apply for all but we must understand that the postgraduate training post for masters are also limited and not everyone who applies are going to get it.
What about absorption of all 23,000 medical graduates into permanent posts which is the part of news floating around now?
I don’t think so but more permanent post may be created once economy improves. However the government is also talking about changing the pension scheme which means “non-pension” scheme may be the way forward.
It is more likely the economy will worsen further, not improve. More people will lose their jobs.
There seems to be a drop-in Covid cases. Does this affect the supply-demand for doctors in the public sector?
Malaysia Covid cases will jump back. Covid deaths will also jump. Just wait and see.
Covid cases will fluctuate. It will not disappear for sure. We just have to live with it.
On alternative career path. Can a medical graduate with a recognised MBBS and 1-2 yrs academic postgraduate M.Sc or Ph.D. be considered as lecturers in a Medical Faculty at the local universities? And accepted by MMC for accreditation purposes?
Msc and phd are research degrees. It does not make you a Specialist. You can become a non clinical lecturer for basic science.
Here is the GUIDELINES issued by the MQA on the recruitment of academic staff in institutions of higher learning,
“A master‟s degree or an appropriate higher qualification in any one of the related fields or discipline areas which is recognized by the Government or of any other equivalent qualification is to be considered.”
“An academic staff appointed from the profession or industry as a lecturer will need as a minimum an undergraduate degree and relevant work experience. He should also be provided with pedagogical training deemed appropriate by the HEP following an appointment.”
Generally, a clinician-academic staff would require a medical degree and postgraduate qualifications recognised by the MMC and NRS.
However, one would find also strong representations of non-clinical academic staff who hold qualifications in various medical and health science related disciplines. In the academia, a PhD qualification is respected and normally a requirement.
I came across these criteria in an advertisement, “Candidate must possess MBBS Degree with Master’s Degree (based on specialisation) OR Doctorate (PhD)” – in Anatomy, Healthcare Analytic, Community Medicine, Physiology, Histopathology, Psychiatry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry (and others).
A quick check online to find out the qualifications of academic staff in some of the private/public medical schools showed many academicians in the faculty of medicine hold research based qualifications and they are non-clinicians.
Here is a short listing of qualifications of some of the academic staff:
1. BSc (Hons), PhD (Technology and Medicine)
2. BSc, MSc, PhD (Biomolecular Engineering)
3. BSc, MPhil, PhD (Biochemistry)
4. BSc, MSc(Med Human Anatomy), PhD (Neuroscience)
5. BSc, MSc, PhD (Immunology)
6. DVM (Doc of Vet Medicine), MSc (Vet Microbiology), PhD (Virology)
7. BSc, PhD (Cellular Gene)
8. BSc, MSc, PhD
9. BSc, MSc (Immunoparasitology), PhD (Immunovirology)
10. MD, M.Med, PhD (O&G)
11. MD, MSc (Health Sc), PhD (Clinical Nutrition)
12. BSc, PhD (Biochemistry)
13. BSc, PhD (Environmental Sc)
14. BSc, PhD (Genetics)
Thank you, Anon. You did valuable research on this matter.
Today’s budget just indicates that the govt will create 10000 contract medical staff posts and present contracts will be extended. No mention of permanent posts as some hoped for.
They are just confirming what they had promised few months ago, extended contract.
10 years ago, Dr Paga predicted doctor oversupply in Malaysia. Now I predict doctor shortage in the next 10 years. I won’t tell you why. Go and guess yourselves.
there will not be shortage of graduates but there will be continuous shortage of specialist, as the less we absorb into civil service the less are going to specialise
You can keep your prediction to yourself, supergoh. We are not bothered about yours.
I fear, will Malaysia repeat the history of Greek pension crisis in near future?
Yes, I have said that before in one of my articles. The only thing that is keeping the economy is our Oil. But the world is moving into renewable energies and demand for oil will continue to decline over time.
Dr Paga, is drug induced lupus hard to diagnose?
Once drug induced lupus is suspected, must one completely stop taking that specific drug triggering drug induced lupus?
Is drug induced lupus serious?
What happens if drug induced lupus is not treated and the patient still consumes that specific drug?
It is a diagnosis of exclusion and usually resolves when the offending drug is removed. It is usually mild but can get worse if you continue to take the medication.
The second strike by junior doctors is scheduled soon. What is next?
Nothing will come next. The juniors must understand that no one guarantees them a job. For me, as long as the contracts are renewed to finish your speciality training, that is good enough.
Hey Dr. How to take car loan, house loan or even to get married peacefully, after having all these things behind our mind?
That’s life!
A number of figures on the permanent post and contract posts have been released during the Dewan Negara sitting today. It sounds confusing but can a clearer picture be obtained?
It was quite clear. 3000+ permanent post will be created next year but 21 000+ doctors are under contract since 2016 (so far only 1000 have received a permanent post since then)! It again goes back to what I have been saying, it is impossible for the government to provide permanent post to everyone. As long as they can continue contract till completing specialist training , that will be good enough.
An MOU has been signed between UK and Malaysia as regards healthcare workers’ training etc. Any further details that can be useful to the public?
It clearly says, only for those who are eligible to work in UK aka recognised degree or passing PLAB
“Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the MoU would provide opportunities for Malaysian doctors and health personnel, especially those who have completed their training or studies in the UK, to serve with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).” – The Malay Mail, Nov 8, 2021.
Not sure how different this is from existing arrangements, as Malaysian medical graduates in the UK are already doing this. Doubt there will be any “preferential” treatment as everything is still decided by the GMC and HEE as far as training goes. Do correct if I am wrong.
Yup, no difference
It is reported in the press that some contract doctors have to resign from their posts to pursue local postgraduate courses. Is that true because of administrative reasons?
they might have joined the university aka MOE.
Will the recent flood disaster have financial implications for the government to absorb the medical graduates into permanent service?
Of course
Hi dr, which field you recommend us to pursue based on current situation in Malaysia? I am thinking of whether actuarial science or biomedical science and others fields as well. Thank you!