4,186 contract workers to be made permanent next year, KJ gives guarantee to settle long-standing issue

KUALA LUMPUR - A total 4,186 contract medical officers will be evaluated and made permanent by the Public Service Department Malaysia (JPA) starting from next year.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said these workers have completed two years of compulsory service with the Health Ministry.

He said the budget needed for the workers which includes 3,586 medical officers and 300 dental and pharmaceutical officers was RM377,485,089. “For Yang Berhormat's information, out of 10,583 officers who have ended their compulsory services, 4,186 medical officers have been appointed by JPA for permanent positions.

“The total amount of next year’s appointment for 4,186 permanent officers includes 3,586 medical officers, 300 dentists, 300 pharmacists is RM377,485,.89,” he said during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat on today.

He was answering in response to Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who asked his ministry to state the additional financial implication needed once the government approves the permanent appointments for contract medical officers.

Khairy, who is Rembau Member of Parliament, also responded to Anwar's second question on his guarantee to recommend 10,500 contract medical officers permanent position to solve the long Khairy also responded to Anwar's second question on the guarantee to solve the long-standing issues surrounding contract medical personnel permanent placements.

"My stand is pretty much on the same page as the opposition leader. We are looking at over 10,000 (contract medical officers), how many of them are needed by the Health Ministry? "I am certain that my opinion is just the same as our opposition leader, which is what is needed to appoint them as permanent staffs," he said.