3-year compulsory public service

When i first saw the news on tele, i was relieved that I actually came back last year and don't have to go through this compulsory service. Having said that, I'm now working in public sector and compulsory or not, I'll be staying atleast for a while still!

Anyway, this piece of news is probably bad news for some; particularly if money is your top priority. But it is good news to me and those involved in clinical pharmacy. Just imagine... at the moment there are 7 clinical pharmacists at HUKM and we're only covering the medical wards. But with all the new pharmacists we'll be able to venture out into surgical, orthopedic, paeds and others. Then, the seniors can actually specialise in their field properly (ie with formal recognitions) and we can be on par with the developed world.

But that's only my vision. So far, I've been told that we're not taking these soon-to-be compulsory pharmacists since there's not enough budget for it. (Though I'm sure that the government have thought of increasing the budget when they come out with this idea!). So, now it's just wait-and-see since I'm not in the position to do anything :(

Oh, and there's another problem. To be recognised in clinical pharmacy it is preferable to have a postgrad qualification in the field. BUT, the rule here is a bit funny... if you leave the hospital/public sector you won't be able to come back in. Then how are people interested in clinical pharmacy going to get this qualification? The only way is by doing it part-time while working over two years (it's hard work, believe me!)but even that, you have to pay for yourself. I'm so grateful that I did my clinical in the UK where the hospital actually paid for me!! This is normal in the UK as it is part of professional development and they also see it as investment. How do we see it here??

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=5494