MOH to push for permanent positions for contract dental, pharmacy staff

KUALA LUMPUR — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will recommend the absorption of contract dental and pharmacy officers into the permanent civil service, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Monday.

The recommendation seeks to provide job security and career progression for healthcare professionals currently employed on temporary contracts. Contract-based appointments have long been a concern for medical professionals, who argue that permanent positions would improve retention and service delivery across the country's health system.

The move reflects ongoing efforts by the ministry to strengthen its human resources capacity amid growing demands on Malaysia's public healthcare infrastructure. Dental and pharmacy services are critical components of primary and secondary healthcare delivery, and securing a stable workforce in these areas is seen as essential for maintaining service quality.

Dzulkefly's announcement comes as healthcare worker advocacy groups have increasingly called for the regularisation of contract staff, citing concerns over job insecurity and the impact on healthcare service continuity. The recommendation will need to proceed through relevant government channels for formal approval and budgetary allocation.