The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a crisis in many different sectors in terms of the economy, healthcare and others. Malaysia’s healthcare was in a crisis due to a shortage of healthcare professionals.
This resulted in a bunch of junior doctors being offered 2 year contracts as medical officers. However, it seems that there is no certainty on what would happen to them when the contract eventually ends.
Recently, a contract doctor in the exact situation expressed his concerns and frustrations in a Facebook post which has gone viral.
Dulu bersungguh-sungguh belajar kunun nak jadi doktor. Mak ayah aku walaupun berpelajaran setakat sekolah rendah ja,…
Posted by Prabakaran Karuppiah on Thursday, April 7, 2022
In the post by Dr Prabakaran Karuppiah, he shared how he is doubtful about his future as a doctor.
“Back then I was studying so hard to become a doctor. Although my parents only stayed till primary school, they worked hard to find money to support my education at a private university.”
“Wanted to apply for scholarships but I was not eligible because of the colour of my skin,” he added.
He said that whilst he was a student, his father passed away. “Somehow I still managed to get through medical school after 5 years.”
“After my studies, I had to wait a year to be appointed as a trainee doctor. Was frustrated waiting. Finally managed to get it and I chose to serve in Sabah,” said Prabakaran.
Mother became ill
“Spent 2 years trying to finish my housemanship. When I was in my final posting at the emergency department, my mother had become ill. I tried to ask for leave to take care of her but I wasn’t allowed as a contract doctor.”
His auntie ended up having to take care of his mother.
“Some smart people decided to have the Sabah elections, then there was an increase in Covid cases in Sabah. How am I supposed to go back to see my mother.”
“My mum went through surgery whilst I was busy working. Finally I finished my ED posting. A few days after I became a Medical Officer and chose to continue in Sabah,” he explained.
After a few months, he managed to go visit his mother who needed chemotherapy and radiotherapy. “I went for 4 days and then returned to Sabah to continue dealing with the Covid situation.”
“Suddenly one day, I received a call that my mother had collapsed in front of the house whilst about to go to work. Even though she was sick, she still went to work. She went to hospital and was found to be Covid positive.”
3 weeks later after her passing, he returned to work in Sabah where he expressed that he was starting to feel frustrated.
“Khairy announced that there was a chance that we’d get permanent post. I was happy and applied. The decision was that I did not get through.”
He said that he was asked to try again next year. However, he complained that the website doesn’t even give a guideline on how to fill in the form properly.
“I feel like giving up, but I’m reminded by my parents’ sacrifices. I’m trying to stay motivated even though my contract is reaching its end,” said Prabakaran.
“Why is it so difficult to give permanent positions to medical officers? A minister’s parking allowance is more than the salary of a doctor.”
“Congratulations to those who got through,” he concluded his post.
Also read: “Remember the oath we made” Health DG Urges Contract Doctors Not To Go On Strike
