Short-Term Concessions Are Not Enough For Our Contract Doctors

On Friday, just days before contract medical officers were planning a strike over alleged unfair treatment of them, the government announced that it was offering a two to four year contract extension for these contract doctors as well as specialisation opportunities and benefits that are on par with what their colleagues with permanent positions are able to enjoy. Yesterday (26th July), we saw contract doctors from government hospitals nationwide walk out for a brief period in the morning to highlight their demands for job security and better career progression. So, what is a feasible solution to ensure that our junior contract doctors have a future in the field? If not enough is done to address this, how will this affect our healthcare system in the long-run? Here to help us answer those questions is independent health policies specialist, Dr Khor Swee Kheng.

 

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