Contract pharmacists without reserve status can now apply for permanent positions, says the Ministry of Health (MOH). This announcement comes as a relief to many, especially those who lost their reserve status last October. The MOH has confirmed that the reserve period for 730 contract pharmacists expired in October, and now they can apply for permanent positions if new intakes are announced next year. However, the ministry also emphasizes that the number of permanent pharmacist positions available is limited, and not all contract pharmacists will be offered permanent appointments. The Malaysian Pharmacists Society and the Malaysian Medical Association have previously called for a resolution for the over 700 contract pharmacists who lost their reserve status. Senator Dr. RA Lingeshwaran has also urged the MOH to re-evaluate the situation and consider extending the contracts of these senior pharmacists until permanent appointments are available. While the MOH's statement provides some hope, it does not guarantee permanent appointments for all affected pharmacists. This leaves many with a sense of uncertainty about their future in the profession.
