This will grant contract officers another opportunity once additional vacancies receive official approval.

The ministry issued a statement today following the completion of its latest recruitment exercise.

Only 600 permanent posts were filled recently due to a limited number of approved vacancies.

The remaining contract pharmacists could not be absorbed as no further posts were available beyond the official establishment.

“The reserve status for candidates lapsed in October 2025, in accordance with existing appointment procedures,” read the statement.

All eligible contract pharmacists, including those previously on a reserve list, must submit fresh applications for the new intake.

“We remain committed to workforce planning that is transparent, merit-based, and aligned with service needs,” the ministry stated.

Recent media reports highlighted the predicament of 730 government pharmacists left in limbo after expected permanent placements failed to materialise.

Senator Dr R A Lingeswaran said they were among 1,330 “floating officers” slated for absorption in October, yet only 600 ultimately received posts.