Malaysian health chief says contract doctors strike plan ‘not the best solution’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Health Commissioner Nur Hisham Abdullah has urged health workers who had planned to strike in the coming days not to strike as it is not the best solution to their problems.

This comes after Malaysian contract doctors went on strike and threatened mass resignations over low wages and dissatisfaction with working conditions.

“This issue must be carefully considered. (Because) health care is an important service, especially as it relates to human life and people’s well-being.

Dr. Noor Hisham on Wednesday (March 3 29).

He also urged people in the healthcare sector to “stay resilient” to face future health crises and expressed agreement that the needs of healthcare workers must be addressed.

“The healthcare sector must remain resilient as the challenges ahead, including the risks of a crisis or pandemic, may be greater and more complex than we have ever experienced before.

“Therefore, healthcare workers, a major asset to the public health sector, must continue to receive adequate attention, including fair wages for their services,” he said.

Nonetheless, Dr Noor Hisham reiterated that a strike would not be the best solution to the problems facing these workers.

However, I would like to emphasize once again that strikes are not the best solution and that any problems that arise must be dealt with together and more carefully.”

Dr Noor Hisham noted that the government had previously acted on requests made by health authorities, including by creating permanent positions, sponsoring specialized or advanced training, and time-based promotions.

He said, “I believe that the government will review all these issues and demands urgently from time to time and present appropriate solutions according to the country’s economic strength.”