Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced plans to reopen applications for permanent pharmacist positions next year, offering another chance for contract officers as soon as additional vacancies are authorized.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry's statement today clarified that this decision comes after the recent recruitment drive, which resulted in only 600 permanent positions being filled due to a limited number of available vacancies. Consequently, many contract pharmacists could not transition to permanent roles as there were no additional posts beyond the officially sanctioned establishment.

The Ministry's statement also noted that the reserve status for candidates expired in October 2025, adhering to the current appointment procedures. It emphasized that all eligible contract pharmacists, including those previously on a reserve list, will need to submit new applications once the fresh intake is announced.

Furthermore, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to a transparent and merit-based workforce planning process, ensuring alignment with service needs and approved staffing capacities.

Recent media coverage has highlighted the situation of 730 government pharmacists who were left in uncertainty after anticipated permanent placements did not come to fruition. Senator Dr. R A Lingeswaran mentioned that these pharmacists were part of a group of 1,330 "floating officers" expected to be absorbed in October, yet only 600 secured positions.