GEORGE TOWN, April 3 — Public healthcare services in all hospitals and health clinics in Penang are running smoothly as usual with no contract doctors in the state taking part in the Malaysian Doctors’ Strike, which is scheduled to be held for three days starting today.
A check by Bernama at several hospitals in the state — Kepala Batas Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital and Penang Hospital — found that they were operating as usual today.
Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development and Penang Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said state health director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin had informed her that the daily operations were running smoothly with no doctors on strike, with the department monitoring the matter closely to deal with any possibilities that may arise.
Doctors had reported for daily duties in almost all health departments and there was no disruption or lack of personnel in any unit.
News outlets had earlier reported that the three-day Malaysian Doctors’ Strike might affect operations at government hospitals and health clinics if more than 8,000 contract doctors do not show up for duty.
A Malaysian Doctors’ Strike spokesman reportedly said that no demonstrations would be held. Instead, contract doctors will not be present for duty, which is the only strike action carried out for three days until Wednesday. — Bernama
