(Kuala Lumpur, 26th) Pharmacists who were formerly employed on a contract basis by the Ministry of Health have, after nearly two months of waiting, reportedly recently received formal employment contracts from the government and no longer need to worry about losing their jobs!
According to online media 'Today Free Malaysia', another 430 pharmacists who are still on the waiting list and whose contracts expired in October have also been granted a 1-year contract extension, addressing their potential risk of unemployment due to their contracts expiring.
It is understood that the Public Services Commission did not specify an effective date in these employment contracts, but it is believed they will take effect in February next year.
The government's move to extend employment contracts is believed to be a response to Senator Linggesvaran, who raised in the upper house two weeks ago that as many as 730 pharmacists would be removed from the waiting list after their contracts expire in April next year due to completing 5 years of service, leaving them with an uncertain future.
One pharmacist, who requested anonymity, said in an interview that Public Services Commission officials informed them that pharmacists who have not yet received new contracts must wait for the Ministry of Health to notify the Commission when a vacancy arises before they can obtain permanent positions.
"The Public Services Commission has made it clear to us that they can only act according to the Ministry of Health's instructions. I am also one of the pharmacists still on the waiting list who needs to wait another year. Everyone hopes to be converted from contract to permanent as soon as possible."
On the other hand, Linggesvaran thanked Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad for responding swiftly to the matter, continuing to use the original waiting list to allow some contract pharmacists to be converted to permanent positions without the need to reapply.
