LETTER | Why mum over issues affecting UD43 grade doctors?

LETTER | The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has written to the health minister for an explanation concerning a number of issues faced by 1,004 grade UD43 contract doctors who have been notified of their placements upon approval for permanent posts.

MMA had sent the letter on Nov 9. However, there has been no response from the ministry despite reminders given to the minister’s office.

According to the latest circular from the ministry’s Human Resources Department dated Nov 2, the cohort of UD43 doctors who have been given permanent positions are required to tender their resignations as UD43 medical officers effective Dec 18 - the date they have been instructed to report for duty in their new location.

The circular states that this notice of resignation is irrevocable and that any other matters concerning services under contract should not arise after the notice is submitted.

However, MMA is concerned over the following:

Reimbursement

Doctors are still not allowed to claim transport and cargo allowance - with the excuse being that they are “between contracts”; when in reality, they work throughout the entire duration.

Surely semantics and bureaucracy are less important than the welfare of doctors.

Recognition of service

The years served as a contract doctor are not recognised for salary grades and promotion. This raises the issue of unfairness as doctors who serve the same total number of years will be paid differently depending on the date of promotion to permanent positions.

The issue of doctors that are the same grade regardless of duration of completion of house officer training is still unsolved [house officer (HO) becomes MO after two years but pay grade remains the same for the third year].

Again the excuse of red tape and bureaucracy is raised.

Resignation

The notice of resignation referred to raises a number of concerns. It may have an impact on their existing years of service.

An MO needs three years of Sasaran Kerja Tahunan (SKT) to qualify to apply for study leave and specialist training.

Furthermore, a number of the UD43 MOs are under the Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship. Hence, it is hoped that the terms and arrangements for the settlement of their study loans will remain under the existing scheme.

The cohort’s Gantian Cuti Rehat (GCR) should also be carried forward and continue from Dec 18 - the date they report for duty as a permanent MO.

Rewards

We hope the ministry will also speed up the settlement of the balance contract rewards which have yet to be expedited by the hospitals they currently serve in to ensure a smooth handover and transition to their new location.

It is also hoped that all contract doctors in this cohort and in future placement exercises will receive their offer letter stating their basic salary and allowances they are entitled to at least three months before the date they are expected to tender their notice of resignation.

Lastly, a change of workplace, especially when it involves shifting to another state, requires time for planning and financial arrangements to facilitate.

For doctors with family commitments, managing care for their dependents can be extremely challenging at short notice.

We therefore appeal to the Health Ministry for flexibility in allowing sufficient leave to make the necessary arrangements to relocate.

Writer is the president of Malaysian Medical Association.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.