Hartal Doktor Kontrak also asks to be made the 'middle point' between the ministry and government contract doctors.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa says the ministry will follow up on the matter so that staffing and appointment matters can be managed in an orderly and effective manner.

Anwar Ibrahim will respond to these questions on the last day of the Dewan Rakyat sitting for this session.

Patient care services at health clinics and hospitals, and all scheduled elective procedures, have been running as usual.

Department director Dr Aman Rabu says action will be taken as directed by the health ministry.

The deputy prime minister says contract doctors should be accorded fair treatment and their welfare protected according to government service procedures and schemes.

The health director-general says problems need to be dealt with through joint involvement.

The bulk of them – over 1,300 – resigned in 2022.

Also on the agenda is the development of Kampung Baru and what the government has done to prevent the migration of doctors abroad.

Dr Zaliha Mustafa says discussions must be held with other government agencies as well.

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy warns of the consequences of not regulating vaping and vape-related products, especially for the youth.

Many have already planned to resign or move to greener pastures, but are waiting for the outcome of the election before making a final decision.