MPS Seeks Clarity On Permanent Appointments For Contract Pharmacists

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) --The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has called for a clear timeline and transparent mechanism for absorbing contract pharmacy officers into permanent positions following the government’s commitment to pursue the appointments under a new quota.

Its president Prof Amrahi Buang said the society welcomed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s clarification that permanent appointments for pharmacy and dental officers would be pursued under a new quota, separate from the 9,000 permanent medical officer positions announced under Budget 2027.

He said the move was an encouraging development for contract pharmacists who have continued to serve in the public healthcare system despite uncertainty over their long-term career prospects.

“MPS also appreciates the Minister’s earlier assurance that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is working with the Ministry of Finance to expedite the absorption of contract pharmacists into permanent service.

“As of July 2026, 3,545 contract pharmacists remained in service with MOH, while a further 115 were on the reserve list or awaiting permanent appointment,” he said in a statement.

MPS said the latest clarification provided an indication of the government’s policy direction, but the priority now was to translate the commitment into a clear, transparent and implementable pathway for affected pharmacists.

The society therefore respectfully called for further clarification on the number of permanent pharmacy positions to be proposed under the new quota, the expected timeline for approval and implementation, and the cohorts and categories of contract pharmacists who would be eligible for permanent appointment.

MPS also sought clarification on the status of the 115 pharmacists currently on the reserve list or awaiting permanent appointment, as well as the appointment and selection mechanism, including whether it would be implemented in phases.

“We therefore appreciate the Minister’s commitment to bring this matter forward for consideration at the appropriate levels.

“At the same time, the affected pharmacists require sufficient certainty to make informed decisions about their careers and continued service within the public healthcare system,” he said.

Amrahi said MPS believes that the long-term resolution of the contract pharmacist issue should also form part of a broader and sustainable pharmacy workforce strategy based on actual service requirements, workforce retention, career development and the evolving roles of pharmacists within Malaysia's healthcare system.

He added that MPS was ready to engage constructively with MOH and the relevant government agencies in developing the proposed permanent appointment mechanism, and urged that affected pharmacists be kept updated regularly as the proposal progressed.

-- BERNAMA