MoH: No extension for pharmacists after five-year contract limit
by Desiree David · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (April 7): The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed that pharmacists who have reached the maximum five-year contract service period will not be granted extensions.
According to a statement in response to a media report titled ‘45 Contract Pharmacists In Limbo As Jobs End Saturday’ published on Apr 2, the ministry clarified that any offer of permanent appointment remains conditional.
It said appointment and placement letters will only be issued after candidates fulfil all required criteria, including health clearance, statutory declaration, and confirmed vacancies.
MoH further explained that some of the affected officers are reserve candidates who must await placement based on existing vacancies.
“For now, there will be no contract extensions as the officers have reached the maximum contract period of up to five years,” the statement read.
However, the ministry noted that affected officers may reapply when the next permanent intake opens at the end of 2027, under the new entry grade UF10 (formerly UF43), in line with the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which took effect on Dec 1, 2024.
MoH reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers, adding that the move forms part of a broader strategic alignment to strengthen the country’s health human resource system.
It said the approach aims to ensure a more equitable, transparent, and competitive framework in the long term.