The decision affects medical officers, dental officers and pharmacists. They will be offered two-year contracts after completing their compulsory service period, to ensure continuity of service and preparation for specialist studies, he said.

“The government is concerned about the demands of the contract-status health workers group and is aware of their contribution and role in providing the best health services to the people, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Tengku Zafrul said the government had also agreed to extend the contract period to four years for medical officers and dental officers who are accepted to pursue specialist studies during their first two-year contract period.

He said this is to ensure that the officers successfully complete their specialist studies.

He also said the prime minister had instructed the health ministry and relevant agencies to draw up immediate action plans for the medical services.

Earlier today, hundreds of contract doctors across the country staged a brief walkout from hospitals and healthcare facilities to back their demands for permanent positions in government service. They later resumed their duties.